Arup has been selected by HS2 Ltd to deliver the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the civil and structural design services for phase 1 of the UK's High Speed rail line from London to Birmingham. In February United Utilities suggested that a £2.6 billion pipeline to pump water from the North to water-stressed Southern England  could be built to run alongside the proposed route.

Arup will work closely with HS2 Ltd's environment, design and engineering teams to help to reduce the environmental impacts of the scheme.

Arup will undertake the environmental surveys necessary, including assessments of the natural environment, historic environment, built environment and community environment. The work will contribute to the Environmental Statement, which will be deposited along with other documents in Parliament for the hybrid bill.

The West Midland Metropolitan Area civil and structural design brief includes the design and development of several elements of the scheme, including the Curzon Street Station complex in the city centre; Birmingham Interchange Station; Washwood Heath Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot; and a new people mover from the Interchange station to the NEC and Birmingham Airport.

HS2 Ltd estimates that the first phase of the project between London and Birmingham will create 9,000 jobs during construction, 1,500 permanent operational jobs and just over 30,000 jobs in the regeneration and development areas associated with station developments. The Birmingham Interchange Station alone is expected to create 3,800 jobs.