HS2 “vital” to East Midlands, says Chamber

With the Hybrid Bill for Phase One of HS2 concluding its passage through the House of Commons today (23rd March).

The Bill is crucial for Phase One of the line, but also vital to the delivery of Phase Two from Birmingham to Leeds – including the route through the East Midlands and the proposed Hub Station at Toton.

The development of an HS2 Hub Station serving the East Midlands at Toton has huge economic potential, says the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce.

Research carried out by KPMG, on behalf of HS2 Ltd, in September 2013 suggested HS2 could unlock anywhere between £1.1bn and £2.2bn of additional GVA in the region per year – the greatest proportionate uplift of any of the proposed HS2 stations.

This reflects the potential of the Hub Station to radically improve connectivity between the local economies of the East Midlands, West Midlands, the North of England, London and the South East.

Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “The East Midlands lies at the heart of the country and is a real logistics sweet spot for the UK. HS2 is a crucial part of the solution to boost connectivity north to south and east to west, which will also deliver the enhanced capacity we need in the long term.

“High speed rail is the best way to achieve a more sustainable, rebalanced economic future not just for the region, but for the nation as a whole. While it’s frustrating that we still have no further clarity on the route or delivery timeframe for the Eastern Leg of HS2, we are hopeful that today’s vote in the Commons will pave the way for that to be confirmed.

“It’s vital that we plan to develop a hub at Toton that is much more than just a station and can be a destination in its own right. The opportunity exists to develop a centre to generate economic growth and employment opportunities for the East Midlands – it should not be missed.”