» HS2 depot:
PLANS to build a new maintenance depot for HS2 trains in Birmingham have taken another step forward.
Total Reclaims Demolition has completed a £3 million contract to demolish former industrial buildings on a 50-acre site in the Washwood Heath area of the city.
The former Heartlands Park site has been razed to the ground as part of a wider contract with LM JV – a partnership between engineering and construction companies Laing O’Rourke and Murphy to deliver the northern section of HS2’s phase one enabling works.
Over the past 14 months, Total Reclaims Demolition has completed the demolition of the former UK Mail Sorting Office on a nearby site in Washwood Heath and the partial demolition of the Auria manufacturing facility in Coleshill with a fourth to come.
All the sites form part of the plans to bring the new HS2 line from London to Birmingham, with Heartlands Park earmarked for a new HS2 rolling stock maintenance depot.
The land was once home to train maker Alstom and van manufacturer LDV and the new depot will be used for cleaning, servicing and carrying out routine repairs of the trains once the line is active in 2026. It is expected to accommodate 500 staff.
Stephen Fisher, business development manager for Total Reclaims Demolition based in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, said: “We are delighted to have been involved in such a prestigious project which has provided ongoing work for our company.
“A third of our workforce has been involved in the project which has also resulted in increased hours for our administration staff and further training for our drivers.
“This year marks our 25th year in business so it is fabulous to have completed such a big project in our anniversary year.”