HS2 inks contract reset with two civils JVs
Summary
HS2 Ltd has renegotiated its main civils contracts with the Align and EKFB joint ventures as part of a wider programme reset aimed at improving cost control and delivery performance. The revised arrangements change the payment structure, but financial details and the formal start date have not been disclosed, and talks with the remaining civils JVs are still ongoing.
Why it matters
The article highlights a major public infrastructure client tightening commercial and cost-assurance arrangements, which is relevant to surveyors involved in large-scale civil engineering, contract administration, and cost verification. It also signals continued scrutiny of risk allocation, programme control and record-keeping in complex construction contracts.
Key points
- HS2 has reset contracts with Align and EKFB, linking rewards more closely to cost and programme performance.
- Negotiations with BBV and SCS are still in progress due to contract scale and complexity.
- HS2 says about £500m in disallowable costs has been identified and recovery is being pursued.
- The programme is seeking around £2bn in savings through contract renegotiation.
- A revised programme baseline is expected to be completed in spring 2027.
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