New development body to fast-track HS2 at Toton

The creation of a new development body that the government says will bring forward new jobs, homes, infrastructure and growth linked to the new HS2 station has been announced by Chancellor Philip Hammond at the Conservative Party conference.

The new development body will help accelerate the detailed design work, land acquisition and site preparation in the Toton Growth Zone.

Hammond said: “As a sign of our commitment to the Midlands Engine, I want to start today by announcing funding to support the creation of a new, locally-led development body for the area around Toton in the East Midlands, to attract investment, create jobs and provide opportunities in this area of huge economic potential.”

Councillor Kay Cutts, leader of Nottinghamshire County Council and chairman of the Toton Delivery Board said: “This is fantastic news which will benefit not only Nottinghamshire, but also the regional and national economy too. The Chancellor’s announcement reaffirms the Government’s support for our ambition to ensure the arrival of HS2 brings the maximum economic benefit for communities and businesses in Nottinghamshire and is a big vote of confidence in the County Council’s ability to deliver on that potential.

“We will ensure that the Toton Growth Zone is part of a wider masterplan for development linked to HS2, so that the wider area will share in the prosperity that HS2 will provide.

“We are extremely grateful for the role played by the Midlands Engine, our local MPs and other partners who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make our case for funding to support the creation of the new development body.”

Midlands Connect’s Maria Machancoses said: “Together with East Midlands Councils, the Midlands Engine and other partners in the East Midlands, we have been making the case for the last year about the transformational potential of Toton, an opportunity that also includes the ambitious growth plans of East Midlands Airport and the East Midlands Gateway.

“We have been clear that jobs, housing and infrastructure to connect Toton to Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and East Midlands Airport can all be delivered in the 2020s, well before HS2 services arrive. We’re also making the case for opening Toton to HS2 services in 2030, three years earlier than planned.

“The proposed locally-led delivery body announced today by the Chancellor allows us, alongside our many East Midlands partners, to help shape this amazing opportunity, with the local knowledge so vital for it to succeed. It is also a strong commitment by the government to deliver HS2 for the Midlands and beyond, acknowledging the role the new railway will have in rebalancing the economy.”

Meanwhile, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has announced that Nottinghamshire County Council will receive £18m to improve the A614 at six junctions between Ollerton and Lowdham.

Cutts said: “The A614 corridor is the spine of the county with new housing developments planned in Bilsthorpe, Ollerton and Blidworth so this investment is crucial to help meet these increasing demands as these are areas where even more of our residents what to live and work.

“The improvements will also give better access to key tourism sites such as the Nottinghamshire County Council-owned  Rufford Abbey and Sherwood Forest County Park.”