Mace is already responsible for project controls, project management, and stakeholder management, and under the new contract will continue these roles while also taking on commercial support.

The consultancy says it will work closely with NPR as well as Network Rail and HS2 Ltd to further enhance well-established programme management capabilities to deliver the £39bn programme of work, which includes new line construction and existing infrastructure upgrades as well as integration with HS2 phase 2b.

Mace will work with NPR to deliver the Programme Support Office over the next 12 months and beyond. The group will also support NPR to work towards the delivery phase of the project by strengthening the strategic outline case, which is set to be presented to the TfN board in January 2021. The consultancy will support with identifying viable route options, the best solutions and interactions with HS2, as well as championing the programme with key decision makers.

“We’re exceptionally proud of what we’ve achieved in working with NPR and the wider Transport for the North team to drive forwards an infrastructure programme at the top of the national agenda,” says Mr Sean Gray, Mace’s director of transport. “It’s phenomenally pleasing to be continuing such important work that’s critical to the Northern Powerhouse agenda. Securing four workstreams, including the commercial management role, is a powerful testament to our capabilities in this space.”

For a detailed overview of the Northern Powerhouse Rail project, see the May edition of IRJ, p21, or click here.

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