A new joint venture between £28m turnover London-based VVB Engineering and French engineering giant Egis secured the multi-year contract for mechanical, electrical, public health, fire and communications systems at the super-hub station.

The contract was previously estimated to be worth between £100m and £250m when first tendered.

Their Anthro joint venture brings together Egis’ expertise in delivering turnkey solutions for major infrastructure projects with VVB Engineering’s self-delivery capability in mechanical, electrical, fire and telecommunications systems.

The project will be undertaken with a “Design for Life” strategy, using a systems-led approach aligned with Transforming Infrastructure Performance 2030 goals which will minimise programme risk and reduce embodied carbon throughout the entire programme lifecycle.

Andrew Jellis, CEO for VVB, said: “We are looking forward to working with both our partners Egis, and clients BBVS and HS2 on this scheme.

“The Anthro team has worked hard to establish a values-led, output focussed strategy for delivering Old Oak Common and VVB are excited to be a part of this nationally significant project. “

Meanwhile HS2 Limited revealed this morning that it had shortlisted two firms to deliver the shortlisted bidders to operate and maintain the assets required for the new mass transit system at the Interchange station in Solihull.

The bidders are Austrian firm Doppelmayr Cable Car and French firm Poma.

Market engagement for the design and build contract for the Automated People Mover’s infrastructure is due to start later this year.

The procurement for this work, starting with the pre-qualification of potential tenderers, is due to be released in the second quarter of 2025.