Jobs and economic activity boom predicted as HS2 growth strategy unveiled

THE prospect of tens of thousands of new jobs and billions of pounds of new economic activity has been linked to the arrival of high-speed rail project HS2 in Birmingham.

Unveiling its HS2-linked Midlands Growth Strategy today, the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP), will outline plans to maximise the benefits of HS2 for the region.

In part the strategy focuses on how developing skills and access to training, ensuring supply chains are prepared and improving the connectivity of the region will put the Midlands at the heart of the UK’s economic future.

It describes how the region can use HS2 as a catalyst for major job creation, increased productivity and net national growth.

As well as regeneration and connectivity improvements for the areas surrounding the two HS2 stations – at Birmingham Curzon and UK Central Interchange in Solihull – the strategy identifies practical plans to unlock additional projects as a result of HS2.

According to the strategy, the scale of the ambition includes 104,000 new and safeguarded jobs, 10% of which will be created for local, unemployed residents.

Overall, the plan will see the region delivering an additional £14bn to the UK economy.

The plan further focuses on ensuring the region’s people, businesses and places are ready to maximise the opportunities afforded by the arrival of the biggest infrastructure project in Britain for decades.

Work on phase one of HS2 – the Birmingham to London route – is due to start in 2017 and complete around 2027.

One of the first tangible examples of the benefits of HS2 is the National College for High Speed Rail (NCHSR), with one of the two campuses being located in Birmingham city centre’s Innovation Birmingham Campus.

Some 50% of learners at the college will be studying for a higher apprenticeship.

 The college is due to be incorporated at the end of this month and is expected to be open by 2017.

As well as up-skilling the existing workforce, it will prepare school leavers and career changers for jobs in high speed rail and the wider rail industry, providing future generations with the skills needed to build HS2 and other future infrastructure projects.

Andy Street, chair of the GBSLEP, said: “The arrival of HS2 in the Midlands is a once-in-a generation opportunity to do something really special.

“It’s not enough to simply lay tracks and build stations; we must take this chance to create a legacy for the region in terms of regeneration, jobs, skills, economic development and connectivity.

“This is already a hugely powerful regional economy but we can use the benefits of HS2 to play an even greater role in powering Britain.”

Sir Albert Bore, leader, Birmingham City Council, added: “HS2 gives us a superb opportunity to secure first-class connectivity across the whole of the Midlands and that will create an economic powerhouse without equal in the UK regions.

“But to make these ambitious plans a reality, we must secure regional and national commitments so honest engagement and partnership working will be critical.”

Sir David Higgins, HS2 Ltd chairman, said: “The lasting impact and legacy of HS2 will be determined by how successfully local authorities and regions use it as a catalyst to transform their economies and develop the look and feel of the areas it touches.

“The Midlands HS2 Growth Strategy is therefore hugely important for Birmingham and the Midlands, as it sets out a clear approach to maximising the opportunity to drive economic growth and provide real benefits to local people through access to jobs and skills.”

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “It is absolutely fantastic to see people in the Midlands gearing up to take full advantage of HS2 and the jobs, skills and growth it will bring.

“Birmingham and Solihull will be at the heart of HS2 network. This strategy illustrates how HS2 can re-balance our country’s economy and why it is such a vital part of our long-term economic plan.”

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