HS2 has commenced its procurement process for the Automated People Mover (APM) that will move passengers and visitors between Interchange station, the NEC, Birmingham International rail station and Birmingham Airport.
The APM will provide an efficient, accessible, reliable and environmentally friendly mode of transport, carrying up to 2,100 passengers per hour in each direction on a six-minute journey. It will run on an elevated 2.2km-long viaduct, and range in height from 6 metres to 14 metres, crossing the NEC, West Coast main line and M42 Motorway. It will be complete in time for the start of services at HS2 Interchange station.
Initially, the search is on for a contractor to design and supply the transport system, as well as a 25 year transport operation and asset maintenance contract. The search for the APM Infrastructure contract will start later this year, with invitations to tender in 2025 and contract award in 2026.
HS2 procurement and supply chain director Andrew Cubitt said: “We’re pleased to be starting the procurement process for the APM Systems Contract, which is worth up to £270 million*.
“The APM is a vital piece of infrastructure in the HS2 project, connecting high speed rail passengers to the classic rail network, and supporting the shift from car use to public, mass transit transport, which is so important in achieving the UK’s target of net zero carbon.”
Shortlisted companies will be invited to tender early next year, with the contract due to be awarded towards the end of 2024.
HS2’s Interchange station is at the centre of plans for the £3.2 billion Arden Cross mixed-use commercial and residential destination, which will support up to 27,000 jobs and deliver up to 3,000 homes and 557,500 square metres of commercial space.
This will be the catalyst for huge growth plans in Solihull, creating an economic transformation for the region. It forms part of the Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council wider UK Central Hub area which will support 70,000 jobs, 8,000 homes and 650,000 sq metres (7,000,000 sq ft) of commercial space, generating £6.2 billion GVA per year and bringing 1.3 million people in the region to within a 45-minute public transport commute of the station.
Up to five trains per hour will pass through Interchange station in both directions, with an estimated total of 175,000 seats per day, making this one of the best-connected transport interchanges in the country and a new gateway to the UK.
*The APM System Procurement value of £270 million represents a capital investment of £65 million and an estimate of £205 million for the cost of operation and maintenance over 25 years at 2024 prices. The separate APM infrastructure procurement to be launched in late 2024 is estimated to be worth up to £150 million at 2026 prices.
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