Infrastructure, Construction & Developments

[Brum X]

Lots of enabling works in the city centre for Curzon street station, apparently, the main archaeological investigations will get underway later this Spring. Notice the gravestone in the last picture but i believe the bodies were removed a few years ago.Anybody please correct me if im wrong ?
Photo's taken by Metrogogo on SSC

 

[hoody]

Last I heard on HS2 they are going through advance design phases and surveying (for example, they have just released this week some concepts of the Colne Valley viaduct)
Also doing lots of environmental things and re homing wildlife.

More locally to BHX, I know there are some utility diversions coming up around the M42 and Gilson which are related.
I heard they will be sharing the M6 J4 compound at some point too, which is being used for the smart motorways scheme.

I hope there is lots of joined up thinking going on between BHX and HS2 which is what is delaying the master plan, great opportunity hope it gets realised.

I drove along East Way towards the A45 last week and spotted some activity in the field where the station will be, could just be ground clearance though.
Hopefully we'll start seeing some 'real' construction soon (although it will make my life a pain with all the roadworks)

They were doing ground surveys in Middleton, Staffs yesterday. The had rigs set up persumably taking coring samples.

 

[Brum X]

New Sprint rapid bus routes to be launched in city - thanks to Commonwealth Games

Three rapid transit Sprint bus routes are being fast-tracked into construction to be ready for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

It is the first example of a long-awaited major infrastructure project being brought forward since Birmingham was appointed official host city for the global sporting event.

Plans for a £279 million Sprint network have been discussed for five years and were included in the long term Birmingham Connected plan in 2014 - but no progress to deliver them has been made until now.

A Sprint route involves low noise, low vibration, buses running on a segregated roadway bypassing traffic jams and have been described as like a tram without rails.

And now thee three routes are to be finished in time for 2022. They are:

Birmingham to Walsall along the A34 - passing the Alexander Stadium and athletes village at Perry Barr;

Birmingham to Solihull along the A45 - passing the Games venues at the NEC site;

Birmingham to Sutton Coldfield town centre via Tyburn Road - linking to the new housing and industrial developments at Langley and Peddimore.

Meanwhile, further routes linking Birmingham City Centre to Dudley and Halesowen via Hagley Road, to Longbridge via Bristol Road and an extension to Hall Green will be completed as scheduled by the time the HS2 rail line opens in 2026.

Birmingham City Council and Transport for West Midlands are behind the project.

Birmingham cabinet member for roads Stewart Stacey admitted the Sprint project had been stuck for some time.

“Everyone’s wondering where Sprint has been. It’s been got out, the garage doors have been flung open by the achievement of winning the Commonwealth Games . Sprint is part of our strategy for moving people about for the Games.”

He said they have agreed with Transport for the West Midlands and the mayor to rearrange the priorities.

“The three routes which are essential to the Commonwealth Games are going to be done first,” he added.

 

[nbdm]

They were doing ground surveys in Middleton, Staffs yesterday. The had rigs set up persumably taking coring samples.

Not to take the thread too off-topic, but on the subject of HS2 I also noticed that Aston Villa put a planning application in to replace the bits of their training ground they will lose.
Interesting as it is technically in green belt and an exception has to be made for it to be approved, yet when it was first built they allowed it as it was outdoor facilities.
This time around I think they are planning to build an indoor pitch, apparently because of noise from HS2.

 

[Ray Finkle]

New Sprint rapid bus routes to be launched in city - thanks to Commonwealth Games

Finally

 

[Ray Finkle]

This article was from last year but I can't remember it being picked up but it may explain the delay to the master plan.

A few snippets.

Birmingham Airport head of planning Rob Eaton said it was working with project promoter HS2 Ltd to incorporate airport facilities within the station to smooth movement of passengers between trains and aircraft.

Passengers moving between the airport and the new station could be delayed by up to 20 minutes if timings clashed with events at the nearby National Exhibition Centre, he said. Options to speed passenger movements range from a having “bag drop” in the HS2 station to building a terminal next to the station.

“As soon as you step off that train, you’re into the terminal. That’s what we’re aiming for,” he said. “It could be all singing all dancing with all the facilities, or it could be having facilities within the HS2 station so you are in the airport when you step off the train.”

Timescales for the publication of the Birmingham master plan – due out at the end of the year – and the HS2 station package, which was put out to tender recently do not match up. But Eaton said the plans could still be included in the design of the interchange’s scope of work.

“For the master plan we’ve done quite a large chunk of it, but we’ve sort of put it on pause a little bit while we’re in discussions with HS2 and the Department for Transport,” he said.

“HS2 is driven by budget and delivery so there are very strict deadlines we have to meet, so by autumn we’ll have to have signed up if we are going down that road. Once we’ve signed up to it, we’ve signed up to it and the master plan will follow.”

“It’s a tight schedule but HS2 Ltd supports the principle of it and we need to work out whether it works operationally or whether there is a business case.”

https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/birmingham-airport-could-build-terminal-next-to-hs2-station/10020035.article?search=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/searcharticles?keywords=HS2+birmingham+interchange

 

[Coathanger16]

So does that mean essentially we could be waiting until the design for the HS2 "interchange" station has been finalized before a BHX master plan is published?

Or can BHX management get a guarantee from HS2 that provision will be made in the HS2 station for airport facilities, and BHX can publish their master plan sooner?

 

[Ray Finkle]

So does that mean essentially we could be waiting until the design for the HS2 "interchange" station has been finalized before a BHX master plan is published?

That's how I read it, which could explain the continued delays?

 

[nbdm]

So does that mean essentially we could be waiting until the design for the HS2 "interchange" station has been finalized before a BHX master plan is published?

Or can BHX management get a guarantee from HS2 that provision will be made in the HS2 station for airport facilities, and BHX can publish their master plan sooner?

Now that the HS2 station designers have been announced things should progress quicker, I think Ove Arup and Partners are designing interchange.
The UKCentral proposal (which I don't like at all) must be making things more complex, leading to delays.

From what I've heard, the aspiration for the HS2 station to be integrated directly as a terminal for BHX is strong and likely.

It could be tough to handle check in at the interchange site and then move people and their luggage over to the existing terminal while keeping everything secure, so a new terminal is possible.

It would be cool to have something like in Kuala Lumpur and previously Bangkok, where you could check-in and bag drop in the city and just go straight through to the departure lounge & security at the airport. The transit from city to airport via a HS2 shuttle:
If the Birmingham spur has a capacity of at least 10 trains per hour (likely to be closer to 14-18tph like the HS2 main line) let's say there is 3tph to London and 2tph to Manchester and 2tph to Leeds.
There are at least 3 train paths free, which combined with the 3tph London services all stopping could provide a regular shuttle service out to Interchange from Curzon Street.

Unfortunately I doubt there will be any provision in the trains or at the stations for any of what I just said, but it's nice to dream

 

[Ray Finkle]

Updated plans for the HS2 Birmingham Interchange Station are to be revealed at Mipim next month. There are 'significant changes' promising 'something different and far bolder'.

“We’re going to unveil the new plans for the Parkway Station [HS2 Interchange Station] to something different to unlock the growth agenda,” UGC managing director Huw Rhys Lewis told New Civil Engineer. “This will be the legal funding agreement between us, the Combined Authority, Department for Transport (DfT) and HS2 to change the hybrid act scheme from a Parkway to a different scheme to progress onto a different scheme.

“We’re making significant changes, and those link in to the wider growth agenda, regeneration, business and development opportunities in the central hub area.”

Lewis said the proposals would be expanded on at the New Civil Engineer Airports conference, where the integrated plans for a potential new terminal next to the HS2 station and the APM would also be discussed by Birmingham Airport head of planning transport & strategy Rob Eaton.

“This is making sure that we put the infrastructure in place between now and 2026 when HS2 is to open the interchange station” said Lewis. “We are working to support the growth of the airport within the growth agenda, the possibility of building another terminal next to the HS2 station and the people mover into a redeveloped International Station.”

https://www.newcivilengineer.com/bu...m-interchange-to-be-unveiled/10027806.article

 

[Coathanger16]

change the hybrid act scheme from a Parkway to a different scheme to progress onto a different scheme.

Rather a long about way of saying something without really saying anything. Will be interesting to see where this goes. As much as I hope they're changing the plans to incorporate the HS2 station with the airport, a part of me thinks it could be something else and BHX will get snubbed

 

[nbdm]

Updated plans for the HS2 Birmingham Interchange Station are to be revealed at Mipim next month. There are 'significant changes' promising 'something different and far bolder'.

“We’re going to unveil the new plans for the Parkway Station [HS2 Interchange Station] to something different to unlock the growth agenda,” UGC managing director Huw Rhys Lewis told New Civil Engineer. “This will be the legal funding agreement between us, the Combined Authority, Department for Transport (DfT) and HS2 to change the hybrid act scheme from a Parkway to a different scheme to progress onto a different scheme.

“We’re making significant changes, and those link in to the wider growth agenda, regeneration, business and development opportunities in the central hub area.”

Lewis said the proposals would be expanded on at the New Civil Engineer Airports conference, where the integrated plans for a potential new terminal next to the HS2 station and the APM would also be discussed by Birmingham Airport head of planning transport & strategy Rob Eaton.

“This is making sure that we put the infrastructure in place between now and 2026 when HS2 is to open the interchange station” said Lewis. “We are working to support the growth of the airport within the growth agenda, the possibility of building another terminal next to the HS2 station and the people mover into a redeveloped International Station.”

https://www.newcivilengineer.com/bu...m-interchange-to-be-unveiled/10027806.article

Likely to be a rehash of previous ideas, such as this article or this article.
I am of the view that by all means build a development, but don't hamper growth from the transport in the area, eg. BHX expansion (yes please), M42 widening (desperately needed J3a to J7), HS2 widening (inevitable in the future), WCML quadrupling (also inevitable)
If they can leave space for all that and guarantee no arguments when those improvements happen, then it sounds great.

Building thousands of houses and lots of office space is counter productive to that aim, look at Heathrow, surrounded by housing/industry and fierce opposition of expansion
I much prefer the original design of the station to be a literal park and ride station, if BHX can take the space instead then even better
But building office/retail/residential spaces isn't the right thing for this location in my opinion.
If they are desperate there is some green belt land next to the business park, still close enough to HS2 to be useful.

Anyway, back on topic... What kind of developments do we all think could be announced for BHX for HS2?

 

[Ray Finkle]

The new hotel in scheduled to open in August. Also conformation that Hangar 2 is coming down.

All the bedroom pods are now in-situ as the Hilton Garden Hotel development takes shape adjacent to Diamond House. Internal first and second fixes will now take place with exterior cladding works due to commence imminently. The target date for opening is August 2018. Following the results of a structural survey a tender process is underway for the demolition of Hangar 2 on the Elmdon site. All tenants have been informed of the airport’s intention to demolish it and discussions are underway to provide alternative accommodation.

 

[Coathanger16]

All tenants have been informed of the airport’s intention to demolish it and discussions are underway to provide alternative accommodation.

What/who is currently housed in hangar 2 again?

 

[Ray Finkle]

What/who is currently housed in hangar 2 again?

I believe that Cello have already been given notice?

 

[nbdm]

Just discovered Prologis are building two distribution centers close to BHX with access off Bickenhill Parkway called 'Prologis Park Birmingham Interchange'
Possibilities of air freight being sent there for road distribution?

The project site is here.

In their latest construction update (dated 6th Feb) there is also a detailed diagram of the plans, to save having to look through their website for it - link to update.

 

[Jon Dempsey]

Looking at the photos on the website, there is bery little room to expand apart from either;
Building a new airport on the other side of the M42 or building multi-storey carparks and using the current ones as development room.

 

[nbdm]

Let's say for a minute that a new BHX terminal is built next to HS2, how could they link the two with taxiways?
Is there enough room or will they operate independently (possibly new terminal and runway for full carriers by HS2, and current site for low cost) can't imagine they'd segregate them after the runway extension.

Measuring (with Google Maps measure tool) one of the south taxiways at Stockholm Arlanda over a road, it looks to be about 60m.
At Luton the taxiway over Airport Approach Rd is between 75m and 80m.
Finally, one of the taxiways at Paris CDG to the west of terminal 2A is roughly 60m across too.

Coming back to BHX, the difference is the A45 is effectively parallel to a potential taxiway which makes things harder.
As I doubt very much it would be justified to put the A45 under the taxiway, so probably a realignment would happen (like it does to the south of the runway extension)
There appears to be enough room for a 75-80m wide taxiway (edge to edge) however it would either need realignment of the A45 or it being put under the taxiway for that length (about 2km)

So with that in mind there are three options as I see it:

1. Put the taxiway south of the A45, blasting through Bickenhill and crossing the M42/A45 again effectively where the NMM is. Not likely to happen. Expensive.

2. Put the taxiway north of the A45 and move the A45 south slightly. This would mean the demolition of the Arden hotel, Esso garage and a lot of car park 4 and 6 as well as NEC parking.
Again, having to cross the M42 close to J6 which wouldn't be easy, cheap or popular.

3. Put the taxiway on top of the A45 in situ, crossing NEC South Way and the M42 diagonally just north of Junction 6.

I've attached a quick photoshop of a path between the two, the blue line is roughly 80m on the ground so should be wide enough.

Loss of car parks isn't a big issue, as multi story is much more efficient use of space in my opinion. The loss of the Esso and Arden hotel are big problems as is the actual construction, it would be nigh on impossible to build the structures over the WCML, A45 and M42 while keeping them usable, if this was London it might be justified but never BHX I fear. All fantasy of course, but trying to think about what could happen.
Big issue with this idea is that all aircraft will have to use this new taxiway to get to the runway, therefore either a bigger taxiway would be needed (two way) or just a new runway at the terminal site. Not to mention the control tower visibility.

 

[Kevin Farnell]

Let's say for a minute that a new BHX terminal is built next to HS2, how could they link the two with taxiways?
Is there enough room or will they operate independently (possibly new terminal and runway for full carriers by HS2, and current site for low cost) can't imagine they'd segregate them after the runway extension.

Measuring (with Google Maps measure tool) one of the south taxiways at Stockholm Arlanda over a road, it looks to be about 60m.
At Luton the taxiway over Airport Approach Rd is between 75m and 80m.
Finally, one of the taxiways at Paris CDG to the west of terminal 2A is roughly 60m across too.

Coming back to BHX, the difference is the A45 is effectively parallel to a potential taxiway which makes things harder.
As I doubt very much it would be justified to put the A45 under the taxiway, so probably a realignment would happen (like it does to the south of the runway extension)
There appears to be enough room for a 75-80m wide taxiway (edge to edge) however it would either need realignment of the A45 or it being put under the taxiway for that length (about 2km)

So with that in mind there are three options as I see it:

1. Put the taxiway south of the A45, blasting through Bickenhill and crossing the M42/A45 again effectively where the NMM is. Not likely to happen. Expensive.

2. Put the taxiway north of the A45 and move the A45 south slightly. This would mean the demolition of the Arden hotel, Esso garage and a lot of car park 4 and 6 as well as NEC parking.
Again, having to cross the M42 close to J6 which wouldn't be easy, cheap or popular.

3. Put the taxiway on top of the A45 in situ, crossing NEC South Way and the M42 diagonally just north of Junction 6.

I've attached a quick photoshop of a path between the two, the blue line is roughly 80m on the ground so should be wide enough.

Loss of car parks isn't a big issue, as multi story is much more efficient use of space in my opinion. The loss of the Esso and Arden hotel are big problems as is the actual construction, it would be nigh on impossible to build the structures over the WCML, A45 and M42 while keeping them usable, if this was London it might be justified but never BHX I fear. All fantasy of course, but trying to think about what could happen.
Big issue with this idea is that all aircraft will have to use this new taxiway to get to the runway, therefore either a bigger taxiway would be needed (two way) or just a new runway at the terminal site. Not to mention the control tower visibility.

A very interesting and well researched account, nbdm!
However, I think a different approach should be considered.
The job of a terminal is to process both departing and arriving passengers and baggage through customs and security (not to mention trying to sell you as much food, drink, books, magazines and duty free as possible), along with getting the said passengers to/from their aircraft.
To facilitate the above, it is not necesarry for the aircraft to come to the terminal. They can be parked at remote piers and the passengers transported to them. A good example of this, is STN. After processing, the passengers find themselves in a waiting area, with shops, lounges, resturaunts and bars. When the flight is called, a small shuttle train is boarded which takes the passengers to the relevant pier.
I beleive that this type of 'remote terminal' with a rapid transit system would be the best fit for a new BHX terminal built next to the HS2 station.
This could also mean that current terminal facilities could be demolished to make way for more remote piers/parking and would not require new ATC buildings.

Regards

Kevin

 

[Coathanger16]

A very interesting and well researched account, nbdm!
However, I think a different approach should be considered.
The job of a terminal is to process both departing and arriving passengers and baggage through customs and security (not to mention trying to sell you as much food, drink, books, magazines and duty free as possible), along with getting the said passengers to/from their aircraft.
To facilitate the above, it is not necesarry for the aircraft to come to the terminal. They can be parked at remote piers and the passengers transported to them. A good example of this, is STN. After processing, the passengers find themselves in a waiting area, with shops, lounges, resturaunts and bars. When the flight is called, a small shuttle train is boarded which takes the passengers to the relevant pier.
I beleive that this type of 'remote terminal' with a rapid transit system would be the best fit for a new BHX terminal built next to the HS2 station.
This could also mean that current terminal facilities could be demolished to make way for more remote piers/parking and would not require new ATC buildings.

Regards

Kevin

When BHX talk about building a new terminal at the HS2 station, I believe this is what they're on about rather than having aircraft taxi all that way (which would also be very inefficient).

As Kevin has stated, a new terminal could be built over at HS2 with passengers catching a shuttle/people mover to the current airport where they'd board their flight. Demolishing the existing terminal could make way for much more stands. Also the car parks would no longer be required at that site (move them to the new terminal), providing even more space.

In time if even more capacity is needed, a new runway could then be built over by HS2, and the new terminal extended to be able to handle these flights. Even then, as long as airline operations weren't split between the two sites there wouldn't be any need for a taxiway linking them.