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  • HS2 Curzon Street Station Final Design Approval Clears Path for Full Construction

    HS2 Curzon Street Station Final Design Approval Clears Path for Full Construction

    Birmingham City Council has officially approved the revised design plans for HS2 Curzon Street Station, clearing the way for full construction of what is set to become one of the most iconic infrastructure landmarks in the UK’s high-speed rail network.

    The HS2 Curzon Street Station final design approval was granted during a planning meeting on May 8, where councillors expressed frustration over delays and emphasized the station’s importance in delivering the long-promised economic boost to Birmingham.

    Curzon Street Station will serve as the Birmingham terminus of the high-speed line connecting the city to London. First granted outline planning consent in 2020, the station has since undergone a series of design refinements to align with evolving safety standards, engineering demands, and cost-effectiveness.

    Revised Designs Bring Future-Proofing and Urban Integration

    The updated plans, submitted by HS2’s construction partner Mace Dragados Joint Venture (MDJV), include a material shift from timber to aluminium for the station’s roof in response to new fire safety regulations. Other key changes feature simplified façades using graffiti-resistant ceramic tiling, improved access between platforms, and a redesigned southern entrance with covered areas for public use. Cycle parking has also been prioritized, with provisions for a potential future hub.

    At the council meeting, Cllr Gareth Moore voiced support for the project and the final HS2 Curzon Street Station design while urging urgency. “For us to get those benefits, we need the station,” he said. “It’s pretty damning that more progress has been made with that infamous bat shed than the actual station that’s needed.”

    Construction work on the site began in 2024, with major earthworks already in progress. Foundation work is expected to start this autumn, followed by the main structural build in 2026. The station is projected to open between 2029 and 2033.

    Read also: Barrow EnergyDock Plans Unveiled, UK’s Largest Floating Solar Project

    A New Era for Birmingham’s Connectivity

    Once completed, Curzon Street Station will become the first new intercity rail terminus in Britain since the 19th century. Designed for modern, sustainable travel, it is expected to drive regeneration in Eastside and Digbeth and reduce journey times to central London to just 49 minutes.

    Dave Lock, HS2’s Project Client Director for Curzon Street Station, welcomed the approval: “These design refinements mark a key step in enhancing the detailed features of Curzon Street Station, which will be an iconic gateway to Birmingham for future HS2 passengers.”

    Jason Millett, board member for MDJV, added: “These refinements will enhance the station further, enable the use of future-proofed materials, and will now be shared with the community as we gear up for work on the main station structure.”

    Architect Neven Sidor, partner at Grimshaw and lead on the architectural design, said: “The original design vision has not only been maintained but also enhanced through the detailed design process. HS2 Curzon Street Station final design is more robust, more efficient to build, and just as elegant.”

    City planners concluded that the project maintains its promise of world-class design. With minimal additional impact on heritage assets and infrastructure. It is expected to boost economic growth and attract investment. The project will also create jobs and support housing developments in the city centre.

    Additionally, with final design approval now in place, Birmingham takes a major step forward. The city is positioning itself as a key player in Britain’s rail and economic landscape.

    Read also: Universal Studios Theme Park in the UK: Everything to Know About the Upcoming Bedford Resort

    HS2 Curzon Street Station Final Design Approval Clears Path for Full Construction
    HS2 Curzon Street Station Final Design Approval Clears Path for Full Construction

    HS2 Curzon Street Station: Project Factsheet

    Overview

    Curzon Street Station will serve as Birmingham’s terminus for the HS2 high-speed rail network connecting the city to London. The station will be the first new intercity terminus built in Britain since the 19th century.

    Timeline

    Initial planning approval: 2020

    Construction start: 2024 (earthworks phase)

    Foundation work: Autumn 2025

    Main structure construction: Beginning 2026

    Operational date: Between 2029-2033

    Recent Developments

    Revised design approval: May 8, 2025

    Construction partner: Mace Dragados Joint Venture (MDJV)

    Read also: Progress at Liverpool Bay Carbon Capture Storage Project in UK After €520M Saipem EPC Contract Award

  • Spain backs Africa’s biggest desalination plant in Casablanca with €340 million

    Spain backs Africa’s biggest desalination plant in Casablanca with €340 million

    Spain will give €340 million to help build the Casablanca Desalination Plant, Africa’s biggest. The project will supply clean water to nearly 7.5 million people. So far, work is 20% complete. The first phase will be ready by February 2027 and provide 548,000 cubic metres of water daily.

    Project factsheet

    • Total Spanish funding: €340 million

    • Location: Lamharza Essahel, El Jadida province

    • Planned capacity: 838,000 cubic metres daily

    • First phase delivery: February 2027

    • Phase one output: 548,000 cubic metres per day

    • Phase two delivery: August 2028

    • Operation model: Public-private partnership (30 years)

    • Renewable energy used: Yes

    • Target population: 7.5 million people

    Spain’s Secretary of State for Trade, Amparo López Senovilla, announced the funding at a formal event. Morocco’s Finance Minister, Nadia Fettah Alaoui, also attended. Business leaders from both countries joined them.

    Senovilla called the Casablanca Desalination Plant a symbol of strong ties between Spain and Morocco. She said the deal shows trust and solid cooperation.

    The project is led by a team of Spanish and Moroccan firms. Acciona from Spain is working with Green of Africa and Afriquia Gaz from Morocco. Once done, the plant will produce over 300 million cubic metres of water each year.

    Spain’s support will come in three parts:

    • A €250 million loan from the Fund for Business Internationalisation (FIEM)

    • A €70 million loan backed by CESCE (Spain’s export credit agency)

    • €31 million from FIEX, managed by COFIDES, to support Acciona’s share

    READ ALSO: Morocco Awards Early Works Tender on $1.6 Billion Casablanca Airport Expansion Project

    Casablanca desalination project supports Morocco water goals and deepens Spain ties

    The plant will run on green energy. It will help Morocco reach its goal of producing 1.7 billion cubic metres of drinking water by 2030. At the moment, only 320 million cubic metres are available.

    Minister Fettah Alaoui called the Casablanca Desalination Plant one of the key projects in Morocco’s national water strategy. It stands out for both its size and its green design.

    After construction, the plant will be managed under a 30-year deal. This includes three years for building and 27 years for running and maintaining the site.

    More than 350 Spanish companies already work in Morocco. They operate in many areas like infrastructure, energy, banking, and car manufacturing. This shows how deep the economic ties go.

    Trade between the two nations is strong. In 2024 alone, Spanish exports to Morocco went up by 6%. Spain is Morocco’s top trading partner, with deals worth over €22.5 billion last year.

  • Walt Disney Unveils Plans to Develop Disney Theme Park on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    Walt Disney Unveils Plans to Develop Disney Theme Park on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    The Walt Disney Company has revealed a new Disney Theme Park resort in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Miral. The project is Disney’s seventh theme park resort globally. Moreover, it joins existing locations in the US, France, China, and Japan. On a strategic note, Abu Dhabi offers tremendous tourism potential, within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population. It will also feature one of the busiest aviation gates, with over 120 million travelers annually passing through Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Disney Theme Park at Yas Island will feature immersive entertainment districts, themed hotels, and varied retail and dining venues. While Miral will be in charge of construction and operations, Disney’s creative wing, Walt Disney Imagineering, will be in charge of design and experience design. Yas Island, already home to Ferrari World and the Formula 1 Yas Marina Circuit, has become a world entertainment hub. Clearly, the new Disney Theme Park will further boost the popularity of the region.

    Also read:

    Foundation work for Disney Headquarters underway, New York

    Significance and Scope of the Disney Theme Park on Yas Island

    Disney Theme Park
    The Walt Disney Company has revealed a new Disney Theme Park resort in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Miral.

    The Disney Theme Park on Yas Island is a major step in Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification with tourism. It will increase Yas Island’s global stature and provide economic benefits in the long run. Furthermore, the partnership unites Disney’s creative firepower with Miral’s local expertise. The resort can anticipate receiving millions of international visitors annually. it will also create thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities, boost local businesses, and strengthen the UAE’s position as a premier entertainment destination. The project also fosters cultural exchange and innovation through immersive storytelling and globally recognized Disney experiences. Themed entertainment zones, accommodations, restaurants, and shops are part of the project scope. Development and operations will be managed by Miral, but Disney Imagineering will have creative control. Disney Theme Park will add to Yas Island’s existing facilities and planned development. Above all, the project signals further growth of the entertainment sector in the UAE.

    Also read:

    Disneyland Paris to construct one of the largest solar projects in Europe.

    Timeline Unveiled for Walt Disney World’s Biggest Expansion Yet

  • US$1.8 billion Regiotram del Norte light rail project Colombia; Bidding to get underway

    US$1.8 billion Regiotram del Norte light rail project Colombia; Bidding to get underway

    Colombia’s Cundinamarca department plans to open bidding for the US$1.8 billion Regiotram del Norte light rail project in the first quarter of next year. The Cundinamarca mobility department is currently reviewing documents with the transport ministry to obtain approval for co-financing from the central government. The co-financing agreement is expected to be signed in the second half of this year.

    To support the Regiotram del Norte light rail project development, Cundinamarca has sought assistance from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for the technical, legal, and financial structuring of the initiative.

    100% electric commuter rail

    The Regiotram del Norte will be a 100% electric commuter rail that connects the municipalities of Zipaquirá, Cajicá, and Chía with Bogotá. Once operational, it is expected to serve approximately 189,000 passengers per day.

    The Regiotram del Norte light rail project, along with the Regiotram de Occidente—slated to begin operations in September 2027—is considered key to achieving multimodal mobility in Bogotá and strengthening connectivity with the neighboring department of Cundinamarca.

    Since assuming office in August 2022, President Gustavo Petro has promoted the revitalization of Colombia’s railway system to reduce reliance on road transport and lower freight costs. He pledged to award approximately US$7 billion in rail projects during his four-year term. However, progress on this agenda has been limited.

    Also Read: Additional US$7 billion in funding sought for California High-speed Rail

    Metro de la 80 (Ecociudad Line E / Pink Line)

    Meanwhile the Metro de la 80—also known as Ecociudad Line E or the Pink Line—is currently under construction by the Metro de la 80 consortium. The main partners include CRRC for rolling stock, Mota-Engil for civil works, Ineo Urban Transportation Solutions for telematics, and Siemens Mobility for power systems and signalling.

    The project, valued at approximately $920 million USD, is being financed jointly by the national government and the city of Medellín on a 70:30 basis. The 13.3 km medium-capacity light rail line will primarily run along Avenida 80, a major north-south corridor on the city’s west side. Once complete—targeted for 2028—it will link Caribe metro station in the north to Aguacatala station in the south, serving 17 stations along the route.

  • Georgia Power announces 765 MW BESS projects across Georgia State

    Georgia Power announces 765 MW BESS projects across Georgia State

    765 MW of battery energy storage systems (BESS) is now under construction as announced by Georgia Power. The facilities will be located in Georgia, specifically, in Lowndes, Bibb, Floyd and Cherokee Counties. Furthermore, Georgia Power will develop the projects using the same technology as its first-ever BESS facility at Mossy Branch near Columbus. The company is working with Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) through the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to procure and develop these projects and construct others across the state a trend seen across other states and globally where BESS construction projects are popping up. 

    “At Georgia Power, we work with the Georgia PSC and many other stakeholders to make the investments required for a reliable and resilient power grid, integrating new technologies to better serve our customers today and as Georgia grows,” said Rick Anderson, senior vice president and senior production officer for Georgia Power.

    Also Read Scatec Commences Construction of 1.1GW Obelisk Solar PV and BESS Project in Egypt

    Georgia Power noted that the projects are a direct response to the state’s rapidly growing energy needs, driven by industrial expansion, electric vehicle adoption, and the surge in data center construction. The company also emphasized that large-scale battery systems play a critical role in maintaining grid stability as it adds more clean energy resources to the mix.

    Project Overview

    Locations: Lowndes, Bibb, Floyd and Cherokee Counties, Georgia

    Total Capacity: 765 MW

    Projects: Robins BESS (128 MW), Moody BESS (49.5 MW), Hammond BESS (57.5 MW), McGrau Ford Phase 1 and 2 BESS (530 MW)

    Construction teams: Burns & McDonnell, Crowder Industrial Construction

    Also Read NTR’s Flagship Uusnivala BESS Project in Finland Finalizes Contracts Ahead of Construction

    Individual Georgia Power BESS Projects

    The first BESS project is the Robins BESS (128 MW) facility. It is located in Bibb County close to the Robins Air Force Base. It allows Georgia Power to leverage existing infrastructure. Thus, it has eliminated the need to construct a new Generator Step-Up (GSU). Burns & McDonnell is heading the engineering and construction team for this project that is expected to begin operations in June 2026.

    Secondly, the Moody BESS (49.5 MW) facility is located in Lowndes County. It is also located near an existing solar facility which has allowed for the elimination of the need to construct a GSU. Crowder Industrial Construction is heading engineering and construction for the project. Further, it is expected to begin operations in May next year.

    The Hammond BESS (57.5 MW) project is located in Floyd County. It is leveraging existing infrastructure from the retired coal-fired Plant Hammond Facility. Additionally, Crowder Industrial Construction is also heading this project that is expected to begin operation in November next year.

    Last but not least, the McGrau Ford Phase 1 and 2 BESS (530 MW) will be located in Cherokee County. It will be headed by Burns and McDonnell. Operations will begin in October and September next year for both phases respectively. The designs for the project provide an opportunity for Georgia Power to cost effectively expand the project level substation and generation tie line rather than build a new substation. In addition to these projects, Georgia Power has also commenced work on a new battery storage facility near Macon.

  • JFB Construction awarded $18 million contract for Marriott project

    JFB Construction awarded $18 million contract for Marriott project

    JFB Construction Holdings has announced that it has signed a US$18 million contract for the development of a Marriott Hotels project. The company that focuses on commercial, retail and residential property development will construct a Courtyard by Marriott with 117 rooms. The hotel will be located in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Construction on the project is expected to begin in early June of this year. Furthermore, the construction company has been signed as the co-developer for the project. 

    Also Read Corinthia Dubai: Corinthia Hotels’ first landmark hotel and residential development project in UAE

    “This is a major milestone for JFB Construction, as we are also a general partner in this Marriott hotel project, aligning with the goals we have set for the future of the company. We were active in the land acquisition process, and we have an ownership position in this location. Furthermore, Courtyard by Marriott is a nationally recognized brand of hotels, and we believe that the successful completion of this project will lead to additional projects as well, as we ramp up our efforts to become increasingly active in the hospitality development sector,” said CEO Joseph F. Basile, III.

    Project Overview

    Location: Olive Branch, Mississippi

    Co-Developer: JFB Construction Holdings

    Contract value: US$18 million

    Construction start date: June 2025

    Upcoming Marriott Hotel projects in the country

    Further south of the country, Marriott Hotels is also developing a new European-inspired AC Hotel. Located in St. Augustine, Florida, the hotel will have 142 rooms spread across four floors. Construction on this project began in April last year and is expected to be completed by fall of this year. While no information about the amenities at the Courtyard by Marriott in Olive Branch have been announced, the AC Hotel in Florida will have a 24-7 fitness center; and a stylish outdoor lounge pool ideal for cooling off after a day of exploration. Additionally, it will feature 1,500 square feet of flexible meeting space, and will be well equipped to host weddings, corporate meetings, and special events.

    Also Read US$360 mn construction loan provided for Marriott Wardman redevelopment