Business profile
A time for growth I
t is Mac Alghita’s belief that the government’s commitment to provide Britain’s travelling public with a
sustainable public transport system, to relieve the country’s congestion hot spots and to push ahead with carbon reduction targets, has given a much needed boost for the rail sector. While much of the investment to date has been based in London, increasing attention is now being focused on upgrading rail access to and from the capital in an effort to energise and help rejuvenate the major cities. This will also bring commercial gains to the private sector. In Alghita’s view, HS2, the electrification of the East Coast Main Line, the Northern Hub project, Northern Line extension, and capacity enhancement schemes all point to a general recognition that the government believes that rail is the way of the future. He explains: ‘Through the support
outlined in CP5 and the findings of the McNulty Report, the government is signalling to private industry that now is a good time to invest in schemes that will encourage regeneration. The Northern Line extension into Battersea is a good example. The residential and commercial development potential of this project has been unlocked by the benefits that the railway scheme brings with it.’
for the North London Line, East London line Phase 1A, Crossrail, Whitechapel Station and Victoria Dock portal. Station work includes Manchester Victoria, Sandhills, Highbury & Islington, Northampton and Thameslink London Bridge stations. Hyder is also working on many of the
capacity enhancements taking place in the south east of England, including the platform extensions on the Wessex, Kent, East Sussex and Essex routes, involving 150 stations. Alghita joined Hyder in 1997 as a
project manager within the transport team in Hyder’s Warrington office, and has held a number of roles during his tenure. On the subject of the growth of Hyder,
Alghita says: ‘It has been growing, thanks to its global capability, its expertise in specific areas such as signalling and electrification, and because it seeks to differentiate itself. ‘Hyder is fortunate in that it has people who are passionate about the railway sector and determined to find the right design solutions for its clients.’ Aghita continues: ‘Hyder also has the
Rail industry heritage Hyder has a heritage in the rail sector dating back to its association with global transportation consultants, Freeman Fox Partners. It was in 2010, when Alghita took over the newly-created stand alone rail division, that the company really started to gain momentum in the UK. Hyder has worked on design solutions
right attitude when it comes to working with its clients. My team will go the extra mile to ensure that the recommendations it provides add value, are buildable, practical, sustainable and innovative. Ultimately, the aim is to listen to clients and provide smart solutions that meet their specific needs. ‘The only way Hyder is able to achieve
its goals is to work closely as a true partner. Collaboration is fundamental to the company’s operation and is a key principle of its strategy,’ says Alghita. ‘It is apparent that in many of the projects with which Hyder has been involved
As demand for passenger and freight services increases, the industry is well-positioned for
growth.Mac Alghita, Hyder’s managing director of Rail, believes that consultants have a vital part to play in driving forward innovation within the industry
recently – for example London Bridge station, Crossrail, and the North London line – that creating properly ordered teams delivers better results. It provides the opportunity to build relationships with the other members of the team, embedding an element of trust in which each party can work together and bring its respective areas of expertise to the table.’
Rail’s future ‘Today’s rail projects systems need innovative design to deliver efficiency,’ according to Alghita. ‘One recent example of which I’m most proud is the work the team delivered on Whitechapel station in London. ‘Working closely with architects BDP on the design meant that a technical and aesthetic solution which improved the passenger experience was developing: optimising journey times, reducing excavation and its impact on local residents and businesses, and introducing sustainable design elements, while reducing the overall costs for the client. ‘Solutions to minimise the whole
life maintenance of projects are also considered. One way this is being done is through modular design for footbridges and station building design. A good example of this is West
Hampstead station. For projects where this is appropriate, it allows ease of construction, facilitates repairs and reduces overall maintenance costs.’ Mac Alghita concludes: ‘Hyder is in the
midst of a very exciting time for the rail industry – now is the time for the company to be at its most innovative and forward thinking, because this infrastructure development will be around for a long time in the future.
The company recognises this and
understands that in today’s world, clients are looking for design solutions that not only meet their needs but add greater value. Hyder is fortunate because it has been able to demonstrate its capability to innovate and differentiate on a range of exceptional projects. I believe that as long as it maintains a client focused approach, its success will continue.’ For further information from Mac Alghita, Hyder Consulting. Tel: 01925 830206 Web:
www.hyderconsulting.com
April 2013 Page 175
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