HS2 marks major ‘nerve centre' milestone with completion of 3.5-mile tunnel bore
The tunnel is the first of two bores of the Bromford Tunnel, running from the village of Water Orton in North Warwickshire to the Birmingham suburb of Washwood Heath, and passing under the area's motorway network and the River Tame.
The tunnel breakthrough – HS2's first in Birmingham – is described as a significant milestone for the line, which will almost halve journey times between Birmingham and London, whilst freeing up track space on the West Coast Main Line for local, regional and freight services.
Around 31,000 people are now employed on the programme across the 140-mile route, with HS2 estimating that the second bore of the Bromford Tunnel will be completed later this year by a second tunnel boring machine named Elizabeth.
Following the excavation, teams will begin fitting out the tunnel with cross passages, concrete finishing works and base slabs, and emergency and maintenance walkways.
At peak production, Mary Ann advanced at around 30 metres per day with construction teams reinforcing the excavated tunnel with more than 20,000 concrete segments each weighing up to seven tonnes.
The precision-designed segments were manufactured at Balfour Beatty VINCI's pre-cast factory at Avonmouth near Bristol.
HS2's Washwood Heath site, where Mary Ann broke through, is earmarked as the nerve centre for its operations, with a depot and control centre to service and store trains.
Mark Wild, HS2 Ltd's chief executive, said: 'Today's breakthrough is a significant milestone for the project and I'm immensely proud of the men and women who have worked day and night to bring Mary Ann and her crew home safely.
'Washwood Heath is set to become one of the most important sites on the entire HS2 network – the point at which the railway will be operated, controlled and maintained using the very latest digital technology.
'HS2's construction is transforming the West Midlands, and the £10 billion investment boost it is already driving across the region will multiply in the years ahead.'
Jules Arlaud, Balfour Beatty VINCI's tunnelling director, said: 'Today's breakthrough is a significant moment for Balfour Beatty VINCI, as we celebrate the arrival of our first tunnel boring machine into Birmingham.
'It's been a challenging drive beneath critical live infrastructure and through complex ground conditions. I'm incredibly proud of our entire team, whose expertise, dedication and resilience has made this possible.'
Mary Ann excavated around one million tonnes of spoil to create the structure, which will become the longest railway tunnel in the West Midlands.
In line with HS2's sustainability policy, the excavated earth is being reused to support construction of a nearby network of 13 viaducts.
The excavated material is also being transported via dedicated haul roads to minimise the number of construction vehicles on public roads.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leader Live
14 hours ago
- Leader Live
Chester Northgate set to be new home of Maray restaurant
Maray, the independent, Liverpool-born restaurant group known for its vibrant Middle Eastern-via-Paris inspired sharing plates, carefully chosen wines and exceptional cocktails, will open at Chester's Northgate this winter. Taking inspiration from the Parisian arrondissement of Le Marais, a neighbourhood renowned for its bustling charm and queue-worthy falafel, Maray is already recognised as a go-to destination for exciting dishes and great atmosphere in both Liverpool and Manchester. Co-founder and managing director James Bates said: 'We're absolutely thrilled to be bringing our fourth Maray site to Chester. 'It's a city I have previously worked in and long admired, and we feel it shares a lot of the same spirit and character that made us fall in love with our first site in Bold Street. 'We can't wait to open the doors and become part of the community.' Tom White, co-founder and brand director said: 'We've worked closely with Cheshire West and Chester Council to find this lovely building and we're grateful for their support as we prepare to arrive. 'It's a really spacious site and we've got a surprise or two up our sleeves to bring something fresh and new to the people of Chester.' The new restaurant will feature a menu of long standing favourites such as the Disco Cauliflower; a much loved explosion of crisp cauliflower, harissa, tahini, zhug, pomegranate and sumac, their famous falafel, and Instagram's darling – a Medjool date bread and butter pudding. Maray also makes room for regular seasonal specials which are all served in the much-celebrated sharing style that sits at the heart of the Maray experience. Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said: 'The arrival of Maray in Northgate is great news for Chester, bringing an innovative and fresh culinary concept to the city and creating new jobs. 'Thank you to Maray for choosing Chester to expand their business.' Tom Prescott, from Barker Proudlove, acted on behalf of the council and added: 'We are delighted to be able to secure Maray for Chester Northgate. Read more 'They have been a long-term target for the development and provide a strong fit by elevating the tenant mix while offering something new to the scheme.' The new opening will create jobs, from senior management down to entry-level positions and those interested in working on the exciting new launch are encouraged to get in touch via the careers page on the Maray website at The restaurant will open in the winter of 2025/2026 – you can sign up here for updates and information on the soft launch and opening events
ITV News
2 days ago
- ITV News
Politics and protests: What to expect from Donald Trump's Scotland visit
Donald Trump will arrive in Scotland later on Friday, on his first visit to the UK since his re-election. The US president will be met by both political leaders and protests during the visit, which is expected to last five days, and will see him inaugurate a new golf course in Aberdeenshire. The trip comes two months before the King is due to welcome Trump for a formal state visit to the UK. The Trump administration continues to deal with turmoil on the home front, as the president struggles to salvage his reputation with voters amid reports around his friendship with convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. But Trump's visit to his ancestral home will hardly provide an escape from controversy. The visit has faced criticism from both political opponents and local residents, and will see a significant police operation across Scotland. Why is Trump visiting Scotland? Trump is expected to visit his Turnberry golf resort, as well as his course at Menie in Aberdeenshire. His trip also comes as a new golf course is about to debut on August 13, which the Trump family business has billed "the greatest 36 holes in golf." Trump is dedicating the new course to his Scottish-born mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who grew up on the Isle of Lewis. But Trump's existing Aberdeenshire course has been mired in controversy in recent years, after it struggled to turn a profit, and was found by Scottish conservation authorities to have partially destroyed nearby sand dunes. Trump's company was also ordered to cover the Scottish government's legal costs after the course unsuccessfully sued over the construction of a nearby wind farm, arguing in part that it damaged golfers' views. Critics also argue the trip - which is expected to cost tens of thousands of dollars - is a blatant example of Trump blending his presidential duties with promoting his family's business interests. The White House has brushed off questions about potential conflicts of interest, arguing that Trump's business success before he entered politics was key to his appeal with voters. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers called his visit "a working trip", but added that Trump has "built the best and most beautiful world-class golf courses anywhere in the world, which is why they continue to be used for prestigious tournaments and by the most elite players in the sport." Who will Trump meet during his visit? The president will meet with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during his stay, when the pair are expected to discuss the UK-US trade deal. Trump said the meeting would likely take place at one of his properties. He will also meet with Scottish First Minister John Swinney. The SNP leader previously said he would take the opportunity to raise various issues with the president, including tariffs, Gaza, and Ukraine. Speaking ahead of his arrival, Swinney said the global attention the visit will receive provides the opportunity to promote Scotland's tourism sector and economic investment potential, as well as to allow people to respectfully demonstrate the principles of freedom and justice. "Scotland shares a strong friendship with the United States that goes back centuries," he said ahead of the visit. "The partnership remains steadfast through economic, cultural and ancestral links - including, of course, with the president himself." The first minister said Scotland is a "proud democratic nation" that "stands firm on the principles of equality and freedom for all, and a society that stands up for a fair and just world." Swinney has been vocally critical of the US president in the past, and openly endorsed Trump's political opponent Kamala Harris before last year's election - a move branded an "insult" by a spokesperson for Trump's Scottish businesses. John Swinney has argued that it is "in Scotland's interest" for him to meet the president, and for the visit to go ahead. But some Scots disagree, and a major police operation is being mounted during the visit in anticipation of protests. Thousands of officers are expected to be deployed by Police Scotland, who will deal with planned mass protests around Trump's golf courses and major Scottish cities. Trade unions, disability rights activists, climate justice campaigners, Palestinian and Ukrainian solidarity groups and American diaspora organisations are among those holding demonstrations in protest of the visit. The Stop Trump Scotland group has encouraged demonstrators to come to Aberdeen and 'show Trump exactly what we think of him in Scotland.' A spokesperson for the organisation said: "The people of Scotland don't want to roll out a welcome mat for Donald Trump, whose government is accelerating the spread of climate breakdown around the world." They also said that people in Scotland "simply wanted to live in peace near what is now [Trump's] vanity project golf course", and have "experienced Trump's abusive and high-handed behaviour first-hand, long before he entered the White House." Protests are planned in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dumfries. During Trump's visit to Scotland in 2018, similar gatherings drew thousands of protestors.
Times
2 days ago
- Times
Il Sereno review: a uniquely modern hotel on the banks of Lake Como
When it opened in 2016 in the small town of Torno, this thoroughly modern hotel ruffled the feathers of Como's grande-dame properties with its unashamedly sharp-edged aesthetic, crafted by celebrated designer Patricia Urquiola. The 40 lake-view suites are pared back with panache, the food is Michelin-starred and the spa is in a converted boathouse full of character. You really are on the lake here — its gently lapping water is only inches away as you swim in the photogenic outdoor pool, and there's even a tiny natural beach beneath the terrace. For extra wow factor, the hotel has Riva boats for stylish outings. This article contains affiliate links that will earn us revenue Score 9/10Urquiola is one of her generation's pre-eminent designers. Her work is displayed in the permanent collection of MoMa in New York and the Fonds National d'Art Contemporain in Paris. As she is based in Milan, about an hour's drive away, Il Sereno feels like her weekend residence — and the attention to detail reflects that. The use of local book-matched marble is stunning, accessorised by Venetian terrazzo floors and walnut fixtures that add depth and warmth. For glamour, she's added watery blue, bronze and tangerine tones to the day beds from B&B Italia, husk armchairs by Moroso, custom lighting by Flos and covetable hand-knotted Warli rugs by Paolo Zani. Bathrooms are calming cocoons, many with deep tubs as well as rainforest showers. All are stocked with pampering black amber amenities by the A-list-approved Ex Voto Paris. There are also generous touches such as a complimentary panettone and minibars. In short, the rooms are so classy that you barely notice the dreamy views over the lake through the walls of windows. Score 9/10 The Naples-born executive chef Raffaele Lenzi was running his own pastry shop at 14 and went on to work in world-class kitchens such as the then two-Michelin-starred Arquade at the Hotel Villa del Quar in Verona. He has been presiding over Ristorante Il Sereno Al Lago since 2016 and everything about this dining experience is theatrical. You approach via an extraordinary 'floating' sculptural staircase with walnut treads lashed together by copper-coloured metal rods, and sit beneath the building's ancient stone arches, the lake almost within touching distance. Like the design, dinner takes its culinary cues from the past but adds a 21st-century dynamism. Tasting menus showcase Lombardian produce and you should expect the unexpected. Apologies for spoiling the surprises, but this might include a moreish hummus of fermented borlotti beans, perfectly cooked cauliflower with carbonara sauce, delicately piquant rainbow trout with sweet-and-sour melon and horseradish, and unforgettable veal osso buco. Breakfast embraces healthy granolas and fruit but can't resist Italian sugar hits of custard-filled doughnuts and panettone. • More of the best hotels in Lake Como• Best villas in Lake Como Score 9/10The sleek 18m infinity pool runs lengthwise to the lake and is fitted with underwater music and mood lighting. It has a smart sun deck lined with pea-green loungers. To its side is a mini sandy beach with direct access into the lake should you prefer to swim there. There are also paddleboards, kayaks and a rowing boat to take onto the water. The small spa is in a characterful old boat house and somehow squeezes in a hot tub, sauna, steam room, fitness centre and three treatment rooms where excellent therapists work their magic with products from the Swiss luxury skincare brand Valmont. The hotel also has its own private dock, three self-drive Riva boats and a Urquiola-designed Vaporina del Lago water limousine for aquatic explorations in style. Score 8/10Torno is on your doorstep and is a pretty little town with atmospheric cafés, quaint churches and precious few tourists. If you hanker after hordes of holidaymakers, fashionable Como town is about a 15-minute drive away, where you'll find designer stores and fancy restaurants. Torno has a pier and ferry services and is about a ten-minute walk from the hotel for trips further afield. Price B&B doubles from £765Restaurant three course menus from £112Family-friendly YAccessible Y Susan d'Arcy was a guest of Il Sereno ( • Lake Como v Lake Garda: which one should you visit?• Best villas in Lake Garda
