Exciting new opportunities are opening up for Coleshill and Water Orton residents as work ramps up on Britain’s new low-carbon, high-speed railway, HS2.

Communities and businesses across North Warwickshire are being encouraged to find out more about some of the benefits HS2 brings, not least in the form of new jobs and apprenticeships.

1000s of jobs and business opportunities

As one of HS2’s construction partners, joint venture Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) is responsible for delivering a 90km section of the new railway from Birmingham Curzon Street station to Long Itchington in Warwickshire – and they’ll support 7,000 jobs in order to do this.

BBV has nearly 900 people working at its Coleshill and Water Orton bases and continues to actively recruit in the area – for details of all the latest vacancies visit hs2.org.uk/westmidlandsjobs.

As well as site operatives, BBV employs people in office-based support positions, such as finance, IT and administration, and in engineering and ecology roles. BBV and its suppliers are particularly keen to hear from people who are out of work or looking to develop their skills, as free training opportunities are also available. 

In addition, an estimated 400,000 supply chain contract opportunities for UK businesses will be created during the first phase of HS2 and business leaders have urged local companies of all sizes to get involved in Europe’s largest infrastructure scheme.

“As a once-in-a-generation project, the HS2 build and its associated works bring a range of opportunities for our local businesses over the next decade,” says Phil Peak, Business Development Director at the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub.

“HS2 will need more than just tracks and trains, though: catering, waste management and security are just some of the services they’ll need on sites across the area.”

‘World beating’ station

Just five miles down the road from Coleshill is the site of Interchange, a major new station being built as part of HS2. Interchange will be one of the best-connected places in the whole UK and will be net zero carbon in operation. 

Passengers boarding the HS2 network at Interchange station will be able to reach London Euston in just 38 minutes. Journey times to other city centres including Manchester, Preston and Glasgow will all be significantly reduced as well. Meanwhile, an automated people mover will link Interchange with Birmingham Airport, Birmingham International station and the National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

Community funding for sports clubs and more

Businesses aren’t the only local organisations benefiting from the arrival of HS2. Community groups near to the line of route can call on the HS2 Community and Environment Fund (CEF) to fund projects to improve their neighbourhood. There is also a Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF) for projects that support the local economy.

Both funds offer grants of up to £250,000. They are managed by Groundwork UK, an independent charity.

Water Orton Cricket Club is one of nine organisations in North Warwickshire to receive CEF or BLEF funding so far. The club secured £75,000 for essential works that will mean the local community can continue to use the grounds. 

Peter Coles, Chair of Water Orton Cricket Club, called the grant “the best news I have had in all my time associated with the club.”

He continued: “The practice nets, ball-stop fencing and car park have been part of our development plans for several years. Realistically, with the resources at our disposal and the calls we have on those resources to keep the club going, there is absolutely no way we could finance those works without going into serious and probably unsustainable debt.

“Now, with the help of HS2 funding, we can make those very much needed improvements happen. We are truly bowled over!”

HS2 funding is also helping to improve facilities at Water Orton District & Tennis Club, Bodymoor Heath Victory Hall, Water Orton Methodist Church and Ladywalk Reserve in the Tame Valley Wetlands. Kingsbury Parish Council has secured funding to install outdoor fitness equipment, and another grant helped to fund a First World War memorial in Water Orton. 

Stay in touch, stay informed

HS2 realises that its work will impact residents, which is why there are many ways for people to stay informed and have their voices heard. Anyone can receive regular updates about the project – including notifications of upcoming works, how it’s being constructed and what is being done to make it less disruptive – by signing up at hs2.org.uk/warwickshire.

HS2 Ltd, BBV and early works contractors Laing O’Rourke and J. Murphy Joint Venture (LM JV) will be hosting a series of one-to-one meetings for residents to discuss construction plans around Coleshill and Water Orton, taking place on Wednesday 8 December in Coleshill Town Hall. For more information and to book your place, please visit hs2coleshillevent.eventbrite.co.uk. 

Anyone with queries about the new railway can contact the HS2 Helpdesk all day, every day. Call 08081 434 434 or email: hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk