Plans for East Midlands Development Corporation at ‘very advanced’ stage

How the HS2 Toton hub could look

A decision on whether an East Midlands Development Corporation (EMDC) is established could come before the end of the year, according to one prominent local business leader.

Speaking at a webinar and press conference announcing the £2.7bn transport access plans for the East Midlands HS2 hub at Toton, Andrew Pritchard, director of policy and infrastructure for East Midlands Councils, said discussions to set up an EMDC were at a “very advanced” stage.

Last year, a host of global firms have been instructed to help advise the new East Midlands Development Corporation (EMDC) after it received £2m of public money.

The EMDC, which is currently operating in shadow form, has engaged experts in business development, construction, finance and law, including engineering consultancy Arup, accountancy firm Grant Thornton and legal outfit Pinsent Masons.

Speaking at the official launch of the £2.7bn plan, Pritchard said: “Plans are being developed and we could have something in place before the end of the year on the Development Corporation.

“Our plans for HS2 and the transport links to it aren’t dependent on their being a Development Corporations, but they’ll definitely add value to it.”

Sir John Peace, chairman of Midlands Connect and Midlands Engine, added: “We’re at a very advanced stage with the Development Corporattion and I’m delighted with the shape it’s taking.

“Businesses are already involved with the EMDC. We mustn’t let the current crisis make us forget about Brexit. We must look to the horizon and drive these plans forward. We already have companies wanting to move into the East Midlands, but we don’t want to go back to austerity – we want to grow out of the financial downturn that is coming and we need everyone to get behind these plans.”

The £2.7bn transport plan would give over 20 East Midlands towns, villages and cities direct access to the planned HS2 station at Toton has been published.

The plan says it will deliver “fast and frequent” connections to the HS2 East Midlands Hub station at Toton, and promises to “spearhead the region’s economic renewal” post COVID-19.

The plan – published by a group of councils, transport bodies and East Midlands Airport – includes new and improved rail, bus and tram networks and enhanced road infrastructure. It shows the locations that will have direct access to the HS2 station, including Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Newark, Matlock, Mansfield and Long Eaton.

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