Grayling appoints ‘world-class’ leader for high-speed rail line

SIR TERRY Morgan is to replace Sir David Higgins as the new chairman of HS2 Ltd, the Department for Transport has announced.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling appointed Sir Terry to take over the role on August 1.

Since 2009 Sir Terry has been the chairman of Crossrail Ltd, the firm building a new eastwest railway between Berkshire and Essex via central London.

He was formerly the boss of Tube Lines, a company which maintained and upgraded three London Underground lines, as well as holding positions at BAE Systems, Rover Group and the Chartered Management Institute.

Mr Grayling said: “Sir Terry’s appointment as chair of HS2 ensures that we will continue to see world-class leadership in an exciting period for one of Europe’s most significant infrastructure projects, helping deliver huge economic growth and improvements for passengers across the country.

“His wealth of experience and expertise, demonstrated in numerous leading roles including overseeing the ambitious Crossrail project, as well as his respected reputation and enthusiasm, will be invaluable in the project’s continued success. I also extend my great thanks to Sir David Higgins, who has led this project with determination and vision.”

Phase 1 of the £55.7 billion high-speed railway will open between London and Birmingham in December 2026.

A second Y-shaped phase of HS2 will launch in two stages.

Phase 2a from the West Midlands to Crewe will begin in 2027, followed by Phase 2b from Crewe to Manchester, and Birmingham to Leeds, in 2033.

Sir Terry, who will continue to work at Crossrail Ltd, said: “It is a privilege to take up this crucial role with HS2 – a railway that will help transform this country through better connections for over 300,000 passengers every single day.

“HS2 will be a driving force behind greater prosperity and productivity across the country, unlocking opportunities for growth and regeneration and building a transport network fit for the future.”

Sir David, who announced in February that he was stepping down from his role at HS2 Ltd, said: “It has been a privilege to work on HS2 and watch the project grow from concept to the point of construction.

“Terry is the right person to not only continue that process but lift it to the next level.”

The Government confirmed last week that the depot to maintain and service trains for the planned HS2 route is to be built at a logistic and manufacturing park on the edge of Leeds.

The HS2 rolling stock depot east of the city will allow 24-hour maintenance of the high-speed trains running from London to Manchester and Yorkshire and create 125 skilled jobs, Department for Transport officials said.

It will be built at the Gateway 45 site, a centre for logistics and manufacturing next to junction 45 of the M1 at Rothwell, after previously being earmarked for the village of Crofton near Wakefield.

A consultation was launched when it emerged that the highspeed line would pass to the east of Crofton, rather than the west, and “appeared likely to have a greater impact on the local community”.

Officials said the new location will reduce the site’s environmental impact by cutting the distance empty trains travel for overnight stabling.

HS2 will be a driving force behind greater prosperity. Sir Terry Morgan, new chairman of HS2 Ltd.