HS2 firm ‘cautious’ about taking future UK projects

Mark Reynolds, of Mace Group – one of the construction firms of HS2, has said he would be cautious about taking on future government projects amid doubts over the rail line’s future. 

There has been speculation over the past few days over whether the Birmingham to Manchester leg of the high-speed rail line could be axed. It comes amid rising costs. 

Reynolds said it was “very rare” work on a major scheme “gets stopped”, adding that working in the UK had been “challenging”.

The government has said it is reviewing how to control the rising costs of HS2. The scheme has faced delays, rising costs and planned links have already been cut. Reynolds also said he learnt about the potential cut of the Birmingham to Manchester link “like everyone else, about two and half weeks ago” in news reports.

The HS2 is a high-speed rail project intended to link London, the Midlands and the north of England. The first link – between west London and Birmingham – is under construction. The eastern link between Birmingham and Leeds has already been cut.