Shabana Mahmood MP Labour Member of Parliament for Birmingham Ladywood
Birmingham Ladywood MP, Shabana Mahmood, has visited HS2’s Curzon Street Station site to see for herself how Eastside is being transformed in readiness for the arrival of HS2 and the city’s brand-new intercity terminus station.
The visit, hosted by HS2 and its construction partner Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), gave Ms Mahmood a glimpse of the work currently underway to prepare for construction of the viaducts that will bring the new railway into Curzon Street Station.
Ms Mahmood heard how over 4,200 people are currently working on contracts supporting the construction of HS2 in the West Midlands, including individuals from her constituency who she met on the day.
27-year-old Michael, who lives in the Jewellery Quarter, explained how his career journey on HS2 has seen him promoted from a General Operative to Store Manager in just six months. A former Iranian refugee, Michael shared the heart-warming story of his move to Birmingham and how he began seeking a new career opportunity after studying for a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering while working part-time in a local fish and chip shop.
After completing a bespoke training course and paid work trial with BBV, Michael quickly transitioned into full time employment working on HS2. His passion and commitment were soon rewarded, and Michael is now part of the team supporting the construction works currently underway at the Curzon Street Station site.
Commenting on the visit and the opportunities for her constituents, Shabana Mahmood MP said:
“It was fantastic to visit the Curzon Street Site of the HS2 project here in Birmingham, where I met a number of apprentices who are benefitting from the project and the skills investment that it is bringing to our city.
“I spoke with members of HS2’s delivery team about the new Curzon Street Station and saw the huge amount of work being done to prepare the site for construction.
“It is so important that Britain’s biggest infrastructure project benefits my constituents, ensuring those who live locally will be the first to feel the benefits of HS2 in our city.”