Premier supplies 500 modules for HS2

UK welfare accommodation specialist Premier Modular has been awarded “multi-million-pound contracts” to provide project offices and welfare facilities for HS2, the high-speed rail line linking London, the Midlands, the North and Scotland.

Premier Modular has expanded its fleet and workforce to meet demand from the HS2 scheme.

Awarded by Skanska Costain STRABAG Joint Venture (SCS JV), the contracts are for 15 sites in part of the first phase of HS2, along the final stretch to the southern terminus at London Euston station.

Premier is delivering more than 15,000sqm of buildings, comprising 500 modules configured to SCS’s requirements and specification.

The facilities will house offices, meeting rooms, break-out spaces, showers, drying room, toilets, first aid room, and canteen. Each building will be fitted with lighting, air conditioning, fire and security alarms, toilets, partitions, and doors.

The modules are planned for use over at least five years,

They have sustainability features including rainwater harvesting, low energy lighting, PIR lighting sensors, low water consumption showers, dual flush toilets, and effluent tanks to minimise discharge into local drainage systems.

David Harris, Managing Director of Premier Modular, confirmed the company has invested £12m in its rental fleet and added 100 staff to its workforce in the last 12 months. “The scale of the HS2 projects for Premier is a significant factor in that investment,” he said. 

“As a Yorkshire business we know just how critical HS2 is to rail projects in the North and how it will help to rebalance the UK economy.”

“Our aim is to provide the best quality office and welfare facilities in the construction sector. We were able to offer building solutions to SCS to suit a wide range of sites, in compliance with Building Regulations Part L and to stringent fire ratings because the facilities will be in use for at least five years.

“On each project we are working to short programmes and on some highly constrained sites near to live railway lines.”

John Harrison, Section Lead Construction Manager at SCS JV, said, “Premier has developed the most cost-effective building solutions that met our requirements and budget. Their team has been very flexible, adapting the designs to our changing needs, and with a strong emphasis on customer care.”