The name Mace Dragados has become synonymous with some of the most ambitious construction and infrastructure projects in the United Kingdom. As a joint venture between two of the world’s leading construction giants—Mace Group, based in the UK, and Dragados, a Spanish civil engineering powerhouse—the collaboration represents a fusion of innovation, precision, and sustainability. Their combined expertise is shaping the future of modern transportation and urban development, particularly through their major role in the HS2 (High Speed 2) rail network.
Mace Dragados is not just another construction company; it is a partnership built on shared values of excellence, environmental responsibility, and technological advancement. From London’s bustling Euston Station to Birmingham’s futuristic Curzon Street, the joint venture has taken on projects that will define the next generation of infrastructure across Britain.
The Origins of Mace Dragados
The partnership between Mace and Dragados was officially established to bid for and deliver complex transport infrastructure projects. Both companies brought decades of experience and a shared vision for modernising transport hubs, reducing carbon emissions, and delivering large-scale projects with world-class engineering.
Mace, founded in 1990, quickly earned a reputation as a project management leader, known for delivering some of London’s most iconic structures, including The Shard and the London 2012 Olympic venues. Dragados, part of the ACS Group in Spain, has a long history in civil engineering, specialising in tunnels, bridges, railways, and motorways across Europe and the Americas.
By combining Mace’s precision project management and Dragados’ engineering excellence, the joint venture was perfectly positioned to handle projects of national importance, particularly those involving complex logistics and sustainability requirements.
The HS2 Vision and Mace Dragados’ Role
One of the most defining chapters in the Mace Dragados story is its involvement with the HS2 (High Speed 2) rail project—the largest infrastructure development in modern British history. HS2 is designed to revolutionise travel between London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds, dramatically cutting journey times and promoting regional economic growth.
Mace Dragados was appointed as the main construction partner for HS2’s Euston and Curzon Street Stations, two of the most high-profile and technically demanding parts of the entire project. Their appointment was not just about delivering infrastructure; it was about reimagining how major construction could be executed with efficiency, sustainability, and community benefit.
At Euston Station, Mace Dragados took on the challenge of transforming one of London’s busiest terminals into a modern gateway for high-speed rail. The design integrates modern architecture with environmental responsibility—featuring reduced carbon construction materials, efficient energy systems, and provisions for future passenger growth.
At Curzon Street Station in Birmingham, the JV is constructing what will be the first completely new intercity station built in Britain in over 100 years. The project is expected to become a landmark in sustainable design, powered by renewable energy sources, natural ventilation, and cutting-edge passenger experience systems.
A Focus on Innovation and Sustainability
Innovation lies at the heart of the Mace Dragados approach. The company’s goal is not only to build infrastructure but to redefine how such projects are conceived and delivered.
In pursuit of sustainability, the JV has trialled hydrogen fuel cell technology to power site equipment, significantly reducing carbon emissions. By moving away from diesel generators, the project contributes to the UK’s net-zero ambitions while setting new standards for clean construction practices.
Furthermore, Mace Dragados places strong emphasis on digital transformation within construction. Through Building Information Modelling (BIM) and data analytics, the JV ensures that every phase of the project is tracked, optimised, and coordinated in real time. This digital-first approach improves efficiency, minimises waste, and reduces costly design errors.
The partnership’s sustainable strategies go beyond technology—they include collaboration with local suppliers, training apprentices, and supporting employment in communities surrounding their projects. Thousands of jobs have been created through their HS2 work, and many of those roles are focused on green construction skills that will remain valuable for decades to come.
Challenges in Delivering Mega Projects
Despite the prestige associated with its projects, Mace Dragados faces significant challenges that come with operating at the highest level of infrastructure delivery. The HS2 programme, in particular, has been subject to intense political debate, changing government priorities, and budgetary reviews.
Managing such uncertainty while maintaining operational excellence requires exceptional leadership and adaptability. The JV has had to navigate shifting timelines, revised station designs, and evolving environmental standards—all while keeping safety, quality, and public trust at the forefront.
Moreover, working in densely populated areas like central London introduces logistical and environmental complexities. Mace Dragados has developed sophisticated coordination systems to minimise disruption to local communities and maintain safe working conditions for thousands of employees and contractors.
Building with People in Mind
At its core, Mace Dragados believes that infrastructure must serve people. Their projects are not just feats of engineering—they are about improving quality of life, enhancing connectivity, and supporting long-term economic growth.
Through local engagement programmes, the JV regularly consults with residents, business owners, and local councils to address community concerns and ensure that development benefits are shared. Initiatives include local recruitment drives, apprenticeships, and partnerships with educational institutions to prepare the next generation of engineers and construction specialists.
Additionally, diversity and inclusion are central to the company’s workforce strategy. Mace Dragados promotes equal opportunities and aims to reflect the communities in which it operates. This approach not only strengthens its corporate culture but also brings varied perspectives that fuel creativity and innovation on every site.
The Broader Impact on the UK Construction Industry
The success of Mace Dragados represents more than the story of one partnership—it reflects the evolving nature of the UK’s construction sector. The joint venture exemplifies how international collaboration, advanced technology, and sustainability can come together to deliver projects that transform a nation’s infrastructure landscape.
Other construction firms have begun to adopt similar collaborative models, inspired by how Mace Dragados has balanced commercial ambition with environmental and social responsibility. The JV’s work has also influenced government policy by highlighting the need for integrated delivery models in large-scale public infrastructure.
By driving efficiency, sustainability, and transparency, Mace Dragados has helped elevate standards across the industry, setting new benchmarks for how modern infrastructure should be built.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Mace Dragados
The future for Mace Dragados looks promising. With HS2 continuing to progress and the UK government investing heavily in green transport and regional development, there are vast opportunities for expansion. The joint venture’s proven expertise makes it a strong contender for future rail, road, and energy infrastructure projects both domestically and internationally.
Beyond the physical construction, Mace Dragados continues to invest in research and development, exploring new materials, robotics, and automation to further improve productivity and sustainability. The company’s leadership recognises that the construction industry is evolving rapidly, and they are determined to remain at the forefront of that transformation.
The HS2 experience will undoubtedly serve as a model for future projects. Lessons learned from Euston and Curzon Street will inform best practices in design efficiency, stakeholder management, and digital integration. For Mace Dragados, every project is a step toward redefining how major infrastructure can be delivered responsibly and intelligently.
A Legacy of Excellence
As the skyline of cities like London and Birmingham changes, Mace Dragados’ legacy continues to grow. The partnership’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and quality ensures that its work will stand the test of time—both as engineering marvels and as symbols of progress.
While challenges remain, the joint venture’s resilience and adaptability have positioned it as a cornerstone of Britain’s modernisation efforts. Its blend of British project management excellence and Spanish engineering mastery demonstrates the power of collaboration across borders.
Through its landmark projects and forward-thinking philosophy, Mace Dragados is not only building structures—it is building confidence in the UK’s capacity to deliver world-class infrastructure for generations to come.
Conclusion
Mace Dragados is far more than a joint venture; it is a visionary partnership reshaping Britain’s infrastructure landscape. Its role in the HS2 project exemplifies how innovation, sustainability, and collaboration can converge to create something truly transformative. From pioneering green construction methods to fostering community growth, Mace Dragados continues to set new benchmarks for excellence.
In the years ahead, as trains race across the country on HS2 lines and passengers pass through stations built by Mace Dragados, the impact of this collaboration will be felt not only in steel and concrete but in the strengthened connections between people, cities, and opportunities.
