HS2 key to Midlands economic strategy, business leaders told

Business and political leaders from the West Midlands hope that plans for extra funding, a new dedicated investment hub and high-profile overseas trade missions can all help transport plans designed to maximise the benefits of HS2 when it opens in 2026.

Delegates at a business event held at Nottingham Trent University on July 4, attended by Midlands Engine Chairman Sir John Peace and Business Minister Anna Soubry, were informed of the plans, which are set against the Brexit referendum decision of June 23.

The Midlands Connect partnership is developing a long-term transport strategy to power the ‘Midlands Engine’. The partnership includes 28 local authorities, 11 Local Enterprise Partnerships, Network Rail, Highways England and HS2 Ltd. The Department for Transport is an associate member.

A key element of the strategy is to make sure the region has the right road, rail and air links to best connect to the new railway, which will then unlock further growth and jobs, according to Midlands Connect Programme Director Maria Machancoses.

“Following the EU referendum result, the importance of HS2 and other large infrastructure projects is greater than ever,” said Peter Richardson, chairman of the D2N2 LEP and member of the Midlands Engine leadership group.

“The Midlands will have three HS2 stations and will also be served in part by the Crewe station, so the project is obviously paramount to the future success of the region’s transport network and economy.”

Richardson said the Midlands was already enjoying the benefit of Phase 1 of the railway, with £11 billion of contracts being awarded and new jobs being created. But he said: “We need to see similar benefits for Phase 2 when the line goes north from Birmingham to the East Midlands and beyond.”