Specialist businesses in Greater Manchester helped build key sections of the new Elizabeth line stations in London.
Manchester-based Vetter UK, part of the Laing O’Rourke group, contributed to the delivery of Tottenham Court Road and Liverpool Street Elizabeth line stations.
A contractor known for its stonework, Vetter was responsible for the installation of 23,000m² glass reinforced concrete (GRC), cladding panels, terrazzo flooring and skirting for both stations.
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It also supplied primary stainless-steel supports which can be found in platforms and tunnels.
Expanded, another Laing O’Rourke company with an office in Sale, was in charge of the construction of the sub and superstructure concrete works for the Canary Wharf Elizabeth line station box.
At the Liverpool Street Elizabeth line station, Expanded constructed the shaft walls to Broadgate ticket hall and the Bloomfield box which houses the major mechanical and electrical plant.
This huge box was the equivalent of a 20 storey building - with half below ground and half above – and was carefully constructed within metres of the Circle Underground line.
Booth Industries in Bolton installed more than 700 bespoke, high-security doors across several Elizabeth line stations and in the tunnels and shafts.
The doors are mainly used by staff to access non-public areas such as control rooms and in cross-passages. Booth Industries was originally formed by John Booth in 1873 as a family-run blacksmiths.
The Crossrail project to build the new east-west railway was delayed and over budget due to numerous issues including construction difficulties and complications installing signalling systems.
It was due to be completed in December 2018 and was set a budget of £14.8bn in 2010. The total cost has been estimated at £18.9bn, including £5.1bn from the Government.
The Elizabeth line will boost capacity and cut journey times for travel across the capital.
It will stretch from Reading, in Berkshire, and Heathrow Airport, in west London, to Shenfield, in Essex, and Abbey Wood, in south-east London. Trains will initially operate in three sections, which are expected to be integrated in the autumn.
Peter Lyons, business unit leader for Explore Manufacturing and Expanded, said: "I personally spent around five years delivering the Canary Wharf Elizabeth line station where Expanded delivered piling, substructure and superstructure works in the North Dock.
"Manufactured product from our Centre of Excellence for Modern Construction facility in Nottinghamshire was used for the main station platform construction, a similar approach was also taken on the new Liverpool Street Elizabeth line platforms.
"The 24th of May will be an incredibly proud moment for all of our site, office and factory based employees as they step onto the Elizabeth line for the first."
Mark Dellar, Vetter’s business unit leader, added: "Vetter UK is delighted to have been involved in delivering the terrazzo flooring and GRC lining finishes to the Elizabeth line stations at Tottenham Court Road and Liverpool Street as part of the Crossrail infrastructure project.
"It is a privilege to be part of an experienced team that produced such a major contribution to our nation’s built environment; a rail project that will help reconnect with their families, friends and colleagues as we get moving again."
Mike Jenkinson, managing director of Booth Industries, said: "We are delighted to be the main specialist door contractor across the Elizabeth line stations, as well as the portals and head-houses.
"As one of the world’s leading providers of high-performance door sets, we worked collaboratively with the project team to deliver complex door solutions for the Elizabeth line and secure the necessary assurance documentation.
"The programme has included delivering multiple projects over a six-year time period, providing stable employment for local people in Bolton and the surrounding areas, as well as creating new roles and apprenticeships.
"Crucially, becoming a key supply chain partner for this prestigious programme has contributed to Booth Industries securing several new infrastructure contracts, including the Northern Line Extension and the cross passage doors for HS2.
"As result, the legacy of the Elizabeth line will live on across our business and the local communities in which we are based.
"We are honoured to have been involved, and look forward to the line’s official opening and seeing our doors being used for decades to come."
Andy Byford, London’s transport commissioner, added: "Companies of all sizes, from all corners of the UK, have helped deliver the Elizabeth line, with 96% of contracts awarded to companies based within the UK and 62% of suppliers based outside of London. During construction the project has supported thousands of jobs across the country.
"The opening day is set to be a truly historic moment for the capital and the UK, and we look forward to showcasing a simply stunning addition to our network."
