HS2 Ltd has confirmed that Taylor Woodrow Infrastructure Ltd and Aureos Rail Ltd (TWA JV) will deliver the control centre and rolling stock depot in Birmingham, marking a significant milestone in the programme’s development.
The contract, valued at approximately £856 million, will see the joint venture transform the disused 70-hectare former LDV and Metro-Cammell site at Washwood Heath into a major new transport, logistics and commercial hub. The development is expected to support more than 1,000 long-term jobs, alongside approximately 500 temporary roles during construction.
The new depot will occupy around 30 hectares of the wider site and will include a state-of-the-art suite of operational facilities, including a Rolling Stock Maintenance Building, Carriage Wash, Automatic Vehicle Inspection Building, sidings for overnight train stabling, and a dedicated test track.
The site will also host the Network Integrated Control Centre (NICC), where operational staff will manage train dispatch, coordinate with drivers, and ensure the safe and efficient running of services across the network. Additional buildings will provide office accommodation and facilities for cleaners and train drivers, supporting the day-to-day operation of the railway.
Beyond the operational facilities, a significant portion of the site will be released for commercial development and the creation of new green spaces and wildlife habitats, supporting wider environmental and regeneration objectives for the area.
Washwood Heath is currently ranked among the most deprived areas in the UK, with 2021 Census data showing that approximately 77% of households experience deprivation in at least one dimension. The development therefore represents a major opportunity for long-term economic renewal and skills development in the local community.
The contract award underlines the continued progress being made on HS2, the UK’s largest infrastructure programme, as it undergoes a comprehensive reset focused on improving efficiency and ensuring delivery at the lowest reasonable cost.
For the rail sector, the development of Washwood Heath represents more than an operational milestone – it is a critical enabler of the future high-speed network and a significant contributor to regional growth, skills development and long-term connectivity.