The search for contractors to design, deliver and maintain almost 300 state-of-the-art lifts and escalators for HS2’s four major new stations is now underway.

Approximately 168 lifts and 128 escalators will be installed across the project, helping hundreds of thousands of people access HS2 trains every day. 

All the new stations in London and Birmingham will be zero carbon in terms of day-to-day operation, and fully accessible, with step-free access from street to train.

Placed end to end, the escalators would stretch more than 3km – longer than the Forth Rail Bridge.

The longest escalators will be at Old Oak Common, in west London, which will take passengers 13.5 metres up from the subsurface platforms to concourse level. In total, the new station, where HS2 meets Crossrail services to Heathrow and the West End of London, will boast more than 50 lifts and escalators.

All of HS2’s new stations will be built to the highest industry standard - BREEAM Excellent – in terms of sustainable lifetime performance. Energy efficient lifts and escalators are a key part of achieving these ambitious environmental standards.

David Poole, HS2 Ltd’s procurement and commercial director, said: “The launch of this landmark contract opportunity is a major step forward in the delivery of HS2’s four iconic new railway stations. 

“The lifts and escalators our partners go on to deliver will be at the heart of the operation, moving hundreds of thousands of people every day and helping us to ensure seamless journeys for everyone. I look forward to our team working with the suppliers who come forward and together ensuring that we deliver best quality and value for the project.”

The contract, worth up to £465m, is divided into two separate packages for lifts and escalators, with the winners appointed to frameworks. This flexible approach, says HS2, allows for potential changes in the number of lifts and escalators ordered as station designs are finalised.

Contracts are expected to be awarded next year and the value includes maintenance for 20 years.