HS2 Sends Head Office Managers to Construction Sites

Half of the affected staff have now been redeployed to live civil engineering sites as the organisation shifts towards a more “outcome-focused” approach.

A project update confirmed the changes as part of an ongoing fundamental reset led by Chief Executive Mark Wild, who has now been in post for 12 months.

Wild is seeking to bring tighter control over costs through the introduction of specialist commercial roles that scrutinise every contractor payment.

He said: “Over the last year we’ve been through the programme with a fine-tooth comb and we’re now very close to establishing a clear path forward.”

Progress on the scheme includes the delivery of around 70% of the project’s extensive earthworks programme, while almost 300,000 tonnes of steel have now been installed – representing 69% of the total required for the railway.

HS2 Ltd is now concentrating on completing the complex civil engineering works across the 140-mile route, ahead of the next critical phase involving the installation of track, signalling and communications systems that will underpin the operational railway.

Wild added: “We had to deliver a safe and productive year while HS2 was reset, and I want to thank the 34,000 people working on the project every day for their tremendous hard work.

“The solid progress they’ve made over the last year gives us strong foundations to build upon. We’ve shown what can be done and I expect that to continue throughout 2026 and beyond as we deliver HS2 as safely and efficiently as possible and for the lowest reasonable cost.”

The project currently spans around 350 active construction sites between London and Birmingham, with HS2 Ltd increasing the number of staff in front-line construction roles this year to help drive productivity.

In June, the government’s Spending Review confirmed £25.3bn of funding to deliver HS2 between London Euston and the West Midlands over the next four years.

Wild also confirmed that the previously stated 2029–2033 opening window is no longer achievable, with HS2 Ltd now finalising a revised and more credible set of cost and schedule estimates.