- Sir Mark Worthington to oversee HS2 Phase 2a route from West
Midlands to Crewe
- appointment marks the extension of his existing role
to include oversight of Phase 2a as part of government
work to improve accountability for the project
- commissioner will oversee decision making
between HS2 Ltd and contractors, ensuring any
issues during construction are resolved fairly
Homeowners and businesses affected by the construction
of HS2 between
the West Midlands and Crewe will have access to clear,
impartial advice, enabling strong scrutiny of the project,
after the Department for Transport extended the Independent
Construction Commissioner’s role to cover Phase 2a of the
project.
Sir Mark Worthington OBE will now have
responsibility for managing issues and relationships
between HS2 Ltd and individuals or bodies
relating to construction work on both Phase One, from
London to Birmingham, and Phase 2a, West Midlands to Crewe.
In his extended role, the Independent Construction
Commissioner will work with communities, businesses and
individuals along the West Midlands to Crewe route to
improve engagement between building contractors and local
communities. His focus will be resolving complaints
relating to construction issues, as well as providing
advice to members of the public on how they can raise
concerns with HS2 Ltd.
The move represents another step by the government to
maintain a strong level of scrutiny on HS2 Ltd’s community engagement and to
ensure HS2delivers
on its requirement to be a good neighbour to all on the
railway’s route.
HS2 Minister
said:
The Independent Construction Commissioner adds important
oversight to this project by ensuring there is a
constructive and positive relationship
between HS2 Ltd, its contractors and local
communities. It also ensures all building-related
decisions adhere to best practice, as set out by the
department.
I have no doubt Sir Mark will continue his impressive
work as Commissioner, helping to develop constructive
engagement between all parties and
ensure HS2 is
a good neighbour to all as it constructs this vital
railway.
Since being appointed as Commissioner for Phase One in
2018, Sir Mark has developed considerable knowledge
on HS2 and its
contractors, and his continued governance will provide the
project with added stability as it progresses through the
next stage.
Sir Mark has more than 20 years of experience working with
government and leading politicians both in
the UK and
abroad, including as Baroness Thatcher’s private secretary
from 1992 to 2013.
Sir Mark Worthington said:
I am grateful to the HS2 Minister and Secretary of
State for extending my remit to cover Phase 2a of
the HS2 project. It makes
considerable sense at this time and I look forward to the
renewed challenges.
