‘Northern Powerhouse’ a step closer as Higgins backs ‘HS3’ rail link

PLANS for a high-speed “HS3” rail link in the North, which could see journey times from Manchester to Leeds cut from 48 to 26 minutes, have moved a step closer after a report by the head of the HS2 scheme, Sir David Higgins.

An update on the proposed new high-speed rail project is to be delivered by chairman of HS2 Sir David at a special event at Leeds Civic Hall today.

His report ‘Rebalancing Britain: from HS2 towards a national transport strategy’ includes the following key recommendations for Leeds and the wider region:

– Reaffirming the importance of phase two of the project, a ‘Y’ branch from Leeds and Manchester to Birmingham, as essential (phase one is London to Birmingham)

– Endorsing the ‘One North’ transport proposal including major improvements to east-west travel infrastructure and a possible additional high-speed rail line between Leeds and Manchester

– As a priority there needs to be a focus on improving rail journeys between Leeds and Manchester to significantly cut journey times

– Consideration is needed on remodelling the existing Leeds Rail Station, to provide a new single integrated station hosting HS2, possible new east-west services and local services

– HS2 needs to be part of a new fully integrated national transport strategy

– HS2 is the key to helping rebalance the national economy away from the focus on London and the south-east

Sir David said: “Improving connectivity is vital if Britain is to compete in the knowledge economy in which this country has a competitive advantage, but in which ease of travel is an essential element.

“Knowledge-based companies whether they are in high-tech manufacturing, the creative industries, finance or the law, have to be close, or feel close to the talent, skills base, support network, knowledge pools, collaborators and clients necessary to create the ‘hot-house atmosphere’ in which they thrive. That is why reducing the journey times between and within our cities isn’t just desirable for both passengers and freight. It is a strategic necessity.”

Leader of Leeds City Council, councillor Keith Wakefield, said: “We are very pleased Sir David chose Leeds to unveil his report as it further reinforces the importance of our city and the north as a whole to the success of the HS2 project.

“Without question HS2 is the key to transforming the future economy of Leeds and the north. It offers huge benefits in terms of job creation and opportunities, driving growth and innovation and bringing people and places closer together making cities like Leeds and the wider city regions much more attractive for businesses to base themselves.

“However, just as important in Sir David’s report is the endorsement of the One North proposals and the need for a fully integrated national transport strategy. It is absolutely fundamental to the overall success of HS2 that all connecting transport links to and from it are the best we can make them to offer efficient travel across city regions and to help our businesses compete in a global marketplace which is only going to get more and more competitive.”

Chair of the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Roger Marsh said: “HS2 is a game changer for the Leeds City Region and will provide a wealth of lasting opportunities for our residents and businesses. I welcome the Sir David Higgins report, stressing the importance of this essential investment for the north and in particular the city region.”

Another recommendation made by Sir David in the report is for a coalition of the northern city regions of Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield and Newcastle called ‘Transport for the North’ to be created to present a strong single voice in discussions with the government on future transport strategies and projects.

Coun Wakefield added: “We will take Sir David’s recommendation on for discussion but it many ways this process has already begun with local authorities and regions in the north working closer together than ever before.

“The One North proposal showed the level of ambition the north has and the success of the Tour de France Grand Départ was a fantastic demonstration of northern local authorities working together to achieve a common goal. Our northern cities and their surrounding areas have tremendous potential to grow and develop. Through major projects like HS2 together with regional devolution of powers and decision-making we are determined to see that potential fulfilled.”

The current timetable is for HS2 to be completed by 2033 with a budget of £42.6bn.

Business leaders across the region have supported the recommendations.

The report has been heralded as “positive news” by Martin Jenkins, practice senior partner at Deloitte.

He said: “It is very positive news and encouraging that politicians appear to be getting behind it. However, it’s early days and very important that detailed plans are developed quickly so momentum is built and confidence grows that this hugely significant strategic development for the North will become a reality. This will enable businesses to plan accordingly and the region to attract the necessary investment.”

Richard Threlfall, KPMG’s UK head of infrastructure, building and construction, said: “Future generations will look back on today and celebrate a vision that made the UK great again.

“HS2 is a critical investment to the rebalancing of our economic wealth. Today’s announcement reconfirms the case for a high speed rail network that connects our major cities, and takes us a step closer to creating a Northern Powerhouse.

“Over the last 10 years, according to ONS data, the North’s share of the UK’s economic output has fallen by more than 5%. This trend will continue unless we invest to share our country’s economic success beyond the South East.

“HS2 phase 2 recognises the dismal state of links between the heart of the UK and its Northern cities today. The second phase, together with HS3 linking our northern city regions, should finally turn the tide and help the North regain its historic prominence in the UK economy.”

Katja Hall, CBI deputy director-ceneral, said: “This report sets out a clear blueprint for the next phase of HS2. Businesses throughout the north will welcome Sir David’s commitment to boosting growth, jobs and investment across the region.

“We agree that northern cities should speak with one voice and it’s important that local transport providers and businesses are also involved if we are to prioritise the most cost-effective and beneficial upgrades for the north as a whole.

“Sir David is right to focus on improving east-west links and the priority must be on boosting connections not speed. Any proposals must be well thought-out and the business case water-tight.”

President of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce Nigel Foster said Sir David is right to focus on HS2 as part of the wider rail network.

“If this region is to capture the full benefit then access to it must be seamless and convenient whether you are in Bradford, Halifax, Harrogate or Leeds. Upgrades to the existing rail network will not only enable greater access to HS2 but will improve regional commuter travel which is at capacity during peak times and something Chamber members often cite as a major inconvenience,” he said.

“Likewise Chamber members are keen to see improved connectivity and journey times between Leeds and Manchester, as the two major economic centres in the north with a combined GDP of over £100bn. Better transport links will open up job opportunities to a much wider labour market in turn increasing prosperity and spreading the benefits of economic growth more widely.”