Peace hails ‘golden opportunity’ as HS2 tipped to proceed
Following this morning’s news that the Government intends to proceed with HS2 despite spiralling costs, Midlands Connect chairman Sir John Peace has restated the case for the East Midlands phase of the project.
Although the Government is expected to announce a review of the second leg of the HS2 line, which would pass through a proposed transport hub at Toton sidings, the scheme is now tipped to go ahead in full.
Reacting to the news, Peace said HS2 must now “deliver for the whole of the Midlands” and “not short change the East Midlands with downgraded lines.”
He said: “HS2 is the only shovel ready infrastructure project that can future-proof our rail network, keep rail travel affordable and bring our country together in an environmentally-sustainable way. We must now get on delivering this once-in-a-century upgrade of our rail network to level up the economy and unleash the potential of the Midlands and the North.
“HS2 is already a catalyst for huge regeneration in Birmingham city centre; now, we can get on with bringing the same transformation to the areas around the other Midlands’ HS2-connected stations: Interchange near Solihull, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, Crewe, the East Midlands HS2 Hub station at Toton and Chesterfield.
“We must now make sure that the benefits of HS2 are maximised through proper integration with regional transport strategies like our Midlands Engine Rail (MER) proposals, using the capacity released by HS2 to introduce 700 additional rail services every day, vastly improving journeys for millions of commuters who use the existing network.
“The Government has already committed to invest in MER’s flagship project, Midlands Rail Hub; we must now work together to confirm support for the whole MER programme, a £3.5 billion investment fully integrated with HS2, to create a rail network fit for the next century.
“A further review of HS2 Phase 2b is an opportunity to make sure that HS2 is properly integrated with Midlands Engine Rail, and that other rail improvements are brought forward before the HS2 East Midlands Hub station at Toton is operational.
“It is important, however, that the Phase 2b hybrid Bill receives Royal Assent in this Parliament to provide certainty to investors, businesses and local communities. A review must also commit to constructing Phase 2b from the West Midlands to the East Midlands first, and must not consider downgrading lines north of Birmingham to cut costs. The Midlands must not be short changed with a two-tier HS2 network.
“Midlands Connect will continue to work closely with HS2 Ltd, the Department for Transport, Network Rail and local authorities to develop a plan that maximises the benefits of HS2, including direct HS2 connections from Nottingham-Birmingham and Leicester-Leeds city centres, via Toton; investment in the East Midlands Development Corporation and in local connectivity improvements around Toton over the next 10 years to prepare the way for HS2 and bring early benefits for local people; and improved HS2 connectivity for Chesterfield and the early delivery of the planned HS2 Infrastructure Maintenance Depot at Staveley.
“The Midlands has a golden opportunity to make the most of the huge benefits HS2 will bring to our communities. It is time to come together to deliver the infrastructure revolution the region desperately needs.”
Scott Knowles, chief executive at East Midlands Chamber, added: “HS2 will have a transformational effect on the East Midlands and the UK as a whole for generations to come and confirmation that the project will go ahead is welcome news.
“Our region, and the whole of UK plc, deserves rail infrastructure fit for the 21st Century if we are to remain competitive and aspire to an even brighter future – today’s announcement will go some way to addressing this.”
