Last week we reported that the meeting between Mace and HS2 Ltd had been postponed and was due to be held last week. This meeting was about the appointment of CH2M Hill as HS2 Ltd’s Phase 2 development partner, instead of Mace, which happened at the same time as HS2 Ltd’s temporary CEO was seconded from CH2M Hill and the new HS2 Ltd CEO was appointed – from CH2M Hill.
It seems that this meeting has been postponed again, possibly to the end of this week.
Construction News also reports that the signing of the CH2M contract – originally due for 24th February – has also been delayed again, to April at the earliest.
A Mace spokesman said: “It is right and proper that HS2 are taking our concerns over conflict of interest and tender process seriously. However, it is taking a significant amount of time for HS2 to conclude their investigations.
“We also appreciate that parliament has recognised the seriousness of our challenge and begun to exercise its duty to ensure British taxpayers’ money is being well spent by asking questions of the secretary of state for transport on this issue.”
According to Building magazine, CH2M are referring enquiries back to HS2 Ltd – who are telling people that they are “in discussion with one of the bidders and will make a statement in due course.”
It’s probably also worth saying that HS2 Ltd claim that there were “chinese walls” in place to prevent a conflict of interest.