HS2 decision: the latest local reaction
Yesterday, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling confirmed the majority of the preferred HS2 route from Crewe to Manchester and the West Midlands to Leeds – and the onward route to the East Midlands.
East Midlands business leaders have been responding to the news. Here we bring you their views.
Derby City Council Leader Ranjit Banwait has welcomed the announcement that high speed rail project HS2 has been given the green light in the East Midlands.
He said: “We welcome the investment HS2 will bring to our region.
“It presents a unique opportunity to boost the economies of all the cities and towns that run along it, including Derby and Nottingham.
“Even in its inception stage the project will mean more jobs for people who are planning, supporting and building the railway network.
“Once completed, it will increase productivity and trade by better connecting towns and cities giving residents more job opportunities.”
Councillor Nick Rushton, leader of Leicestershire County Council, was more cautious.
He said: “We’re glad that the government has published the route and is providing more certainty for communities.
“We know that HS2 could bring significant economic benefits and travel improvements. Our latest study shows the potential economic benefit to Leicester and Leicestershire could be at least £40 million per year. By linking up with the Midland Mainline, the strategy suggests we could become the hub of a faster, better-connected rail network.
“But now, we need to study the changes in detail to understand the impact on communities and journey times. We already have concerns about the route in Kegworth and will raise this and any other issues during the consultation.”
Sarah Walker-Smith
Sarah Walker-Smith, chief operating officer at law firm Browne Jacobson, said: “The announcement is good news for the region but we can’t wait 17 years to see the much needed improvements connecting us to the other major commercial centres in the UK. The improvements outlined by Midlands Connect will need to be prioritised if we want to unlock economic growth across the region in the meantime.”
Nottingham City Council leader Councillor Jon Collins has been a long-standing proponent of HS2. He said: “Along with other councils in the region, we have been strong supporters of proposals for the eastern leg of HS2 with a station at Toton, so we’re pleased about the Government’s announcement today. It provides some certainty and allows us to move forward positively with plans which will maximise HS2’s benefits for Nottingham and the wider region.
“As well as the obvious and overdue improvements in train journey times, HS2 will bring huge potential for new investment and jobs in the region. We can now develop our plans to make sure that local people, local businesses and the local economy gain as much as possible from this once-in-a-generation opportunity.”
Peter Richardson, chair of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership and a member of the East Midlands HS2 Strategic Board, said the announcement is “just the beginning”.
He added “We and our partners have campaigned hard for this decision, clearly spelling out the strong economic case for this proposed route through the East Midlands, and Government has listened.
“This is just the beginning. It is now vital that there is wide consultation on the HS2 route with businesses, local authorities and communities in the region to develop a more comprehensive Growth Strategy; ensuring everyone in the area benefits from this once in a generation development opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Scott Knowles, chief executive at East Midlands Chamber, said: “The confirmation of the second phase of HS2 is great news for the region, for the country and for businesses in the East Midlands.
“During uncertain times, the announcement today gives businesses a degree of certainty that will help them to plan for the future. It also sends a bold signal to the rest of the world about the type of forward-thinking country Britain wants to be seen as we negotiate our way out of the EU.”
