HS2 has appointed CH2M, Atkins and SENER as its Phase One Engineering Delivery Partner.

The three companies will focus on providing engineering and construction management support, as well as assisting with preparation for the procurement of the main civils contracts, for the London to Birmingham stage of the route.

The ten-year deal will also include:

• Supporting preparation for, and procurement of, the main civils contracts and subsequent work packages, including stations and railway systems.

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• Managing support of the design stage and construction stages of the works.

• Providing project engineering and construction management.

• Providing technical assurance of design.

HS2 MD of Construction, Jim Crawford, said the contract award marked an "important milestone" before the start of the projects construction in 2017.

"It is vital that we constantly challenge our suppliers to ensure we deliver long-term value for money for the taxpayer as well as a world-class railway for all our passengers, stakeholders and communities along the line," he said.

Transport Minister Robert Goodwill added: "The Engineering Delivery Partner will play a key role in bringing HS2 to fruition and CH2M/Atkins/SENER bring clear expertise."

(LM)