HS2 offers Birmingham a global link
THE leader of Birmingham City Council has welcomed the Government’s commitment to the future of High Speed Rail link set to slash journey times between the Midlands and London.
Cllr Mike Whitby said the proposal to tunnel across London into Stratford Station was especially pleasing as it would link Birmingham to the European cities of Paris and Brussels.
“Birmingham welcomes the start of the consultation process. We have identified important benefits for Birmingham and the West Midlands from this proposal,” he said.
“At the same time we will be seeking to consult with our residents, businesses and transport users to ensure that we make the most of benefits which High Speed Rail could bring, whilst minimising any adverse impacts.
“Our Big City Plan identified High Speed Rail as one of the essential developments which would help position Birmingham as a connected city on the international stage. It will be complimented by our wider proposals for transformational change in the city which together will secure Birmingham’s position as a sustainable global city, at the heart of UK PLC.”
He said HS2 promised to serve as a catalyst for inward investment, driving employment and growth as the city looked to take full advantage of economic recovery.
Related headlines:
Business leaders welcome HS2 route decision
Government announces changes to route of HS2
Meanwhile, lobby group Business Voice WM said the Government needed to ensure the benefits of high speed rail were spread as widely as possible.
James Watkins, BVWM executive director, said: “The high speed line would be the biggest civil engineering project the West Midlands has seen since Spaghetti Junction was opened in 1972.
“If this line is to go ahead it is absolutely essential for rural businesses to be properly compensated where they are adversely affected by its construction. And plans must be put in place for every part of the Midlands to benefit from the international connectivity it will bring.
“It is also important to hear from the Government at the earliest possible opportunity how the pending freeing up of capacity on the West Coast Main Line, as a result of the potential existence of the high speed network, will improve rail services for critical stations like Stoke-on-Trent.”
The Government’s announced a revised route for the £17bn scheme on Monday. The eventual service will run between London and Birmingham, before splitting with spurs leading to Manchester and Leeds. There will also be a separate spur to Heathrow Airport.
