HS2 brings in Turner & Townsend to oversee procurement

HS2 Ltd has appointed consultant Turner & Townsend to oversee parts of its procurement programme.

Turner & Townsend will act as HS2’s procurement delivery partner for the rail systems of phase one (London-Birmingham) and for all of phase two to Manchester and Leeds.

Turner & Townsend has worked on HS2 since 2014, helping to build commercial, supply chain and programme controls capability across the programme.

Turner & Townsend managing director for infrastructure David Whysall said: “HS2 is the largest infrastructure project in Europe and its successful delivery will play an important role in the UK’s efforts to realise a fairer, more productive and lower carbon future. Setting the programme up for commercial success is critical.”

He added: “The appointment provides a platform to further embed industry-leading thinking in procurement, supply chain and commercial management into the programme’s latest phase.

“Working side by side with HS2, it’s key suppliers and the market, our team is committed to seizing this opportunity to leave a positive legacy for the industry and the wider UK.”

HS2 Ltd has previously run into issues with procuring for rail systems. In 2019, HS2 Ltd “re-launched” its £1.5bn track and overhead line contract after “increasing concern regarding risk transfer” from contractors.

HS2 Ltd was also forced to re-launch the procurement of its Birmingham Curzon Street Station after a low contractor turnout forced HS2 Ltd to revise the way it has approached contract risk.

SourceHS2 brings in Turner & Townsend to oversee procurement | New Civil Engineer

Department of Civil EngineeringDepartment of Civil Engineering – International Burch University (ibu.edu.ba)