HS2 North moves a stage nearer following new report

PLANS for a high-speed “HS3” rail link in the north, which could see journey times from Manchester to Leeds cut from 48 to 26 minutes, have moved a step closer after a report by the head of the HS2 scheme, Sir David Higgins.
 
An update on the proposed new high-speed rail project is to be delivered by Sir David at an event at Leeds Civic Hall today.
 
His report ‘Rebalancing Britain: from HS2 towards a national transport strategy’ includes the following key recommendations:
 
– Reaffirming the importance of phase two of the project, a ‘Y’ branch from Leeds and Manchester to Birmingham, as essential (phase one is London to Birmingham)
 
– Endorsing the ‘One North’ transport proposal including major improvements to east-west travel infrastructure and a possible additional high-speed rail line between Leeds and Manchester
 
– As a priority there needs to be a focus on improving rail journeys between Leeds and Manchester to significantly cut journey times
 
– Consideration is needed on remodelling the existing Leeds Rail Station, to provide a new single integrated station hosting HS2, possible new east-west services and local services
 
– HS2 needs to be part of a new fully integrated national transport strategy
 
– HS2 is the key to helping rebalance the national economy away from the focus on London and the south-east
 
He told BBC’s 5Live Breakfast that he had not costed out the HS3 scheme as there was more work to do on the fledgling project: “It’s not just about Manchester and Leeds but the entire M62 corridor.  Not all of it has to be new, but there is a lot more work to do on (before costs are established).
 
“Productivity in the north is roughly half that of the south, mostly because of the investment in infrastructure that has been seen there, so Improving connectivity is vital if Britain is to compete in the knowledge economy.
 
“Knowledge-based companies whether they are in high-tech manufacturing, the creative industries, finance or the law, have to be close, or feel close to the talent, skills base, support network, knowledge pools, collaborators and clients necessary to create the ‘hot-house atmosphere’ in which they thrive. That is why reducing the journey times between and within our cities isn’t just desirable for both passengers and freight. It is a strategic necessity.”
 
Katja Hall, CBI deputy director-general, said: “This report sets out a clear blueprint for the next phase of HS2. Businesses throughout the north will welcome Sir David’s commitment to boosting growth, jobs and investment across the region.
 
“We agree that northern cities should speak with one voice and it’s important that local transport providers and businesses are also involved if we are to prioritise the most cost-effective and beneficial upgrades for the north as a whole.
 
“Sir David is right to focus on improving east-west links and the priority must be on boosting connections not speed. Any proposals must be well thought-out and the business case water-tight.”

The route of the line north of Birmingham has been criticised by the business lobby in North Staffordshire, which claims a new HS2 station in Stoke-on-Trent would be far more beneficial to the local, regional and national economy than a proposed parkway station in Crewe.