The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has welcomed today’s announcement from HS2 confirming a reset of the project’s cost and schedule, describing it as a responsible step to put the programme on a more credible and deliverable footing.

Milda Manomaityte, CEO of ACE, said: “This reset marks a decisive step in restoring confidence in the project’s costings and delivery timelines, providing long overdue clarity and certainty. Under the leadership of Mark Wild and Mike Brown this reset reflects well-established engineering best practice and lessons learned from previous major infrastructure projects where clear sequencing, realistic planning and disciplined delivery are essential to controlling risk and cost.

“By establishing a credible and trusted programme, it gives the public a plan they can trust, supports skilled jobs across the supply chain, and helps unlock long-term economic growth. Above all, it safeguards a clear focus on delivering the rail capacity critical to the UK’s future infrastructure ambitions, firmly positioning HS2 on a stronger, more sustainable route to completion from Birmingham to Euston.”