Royal Assent clears the way for HS2 to become reality

Royal Assent is to be granted today to the bill that will make HS2 a reality.

The bill covers the first phase of the planned line, from London to Birmingham, that is scheduled to open in 2026.

Cllr Bob Sleigh, chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “Royal Assent is important because it makes HS2 an absolute reality and that means the West Midlands can now fully deliver its HS2 ambitions. 

“Those ambitions have a clear focus on jobs, apprenticeships, major investment at the two station sites in Solihull and Birmingham and millions of pounds of contract opportunities for West Midlands SMEs.”

HS2 Ltd has opened its construction headquarters in Birmingham city centre, and plans to eventually employ up to 1,300 people, while the National College for High Speed Rail, which will train high-speed rail engineers, is due to open this September.

The Midlands HS2 Growth Strategy sets out the route to deliver 104,000 jobs, 2,000 apprenticeships, an increase in skills, additional support for local businesses, and improved accessibility with over two million people connected to the two HS2 station sites in central Birmingham and Solihull.

“The Midlands HS2 Growth Strategy, produced by the GBSLEP sets out how we will capitalise on this opportunity for the betterment of local people and our businesses,” said Steve Hollis, chairman of Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP.

“This is our time. We have Royal Assent, the confidence of investors and the confidence of Government, an ambitious strategy and a clear investment plan. I look forward to working with partners on making it happen.”