Transport for London agenda papers hint at DfT plans for a ten-platform scaleback at HS2’s Euston terminus.

HS2’s eastern leg has been safeguarded, even though the West Midlands-Leeds route is not yet approved by government.

A recent National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) report made the case for building the eastern leg in phases and suggested that quicker benefits would be accrued from upgrades to the East Coast and Midland Main Lines ( RAIL 921).

However, in a statement on January 21, HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson said he was imposing additional safeguarding directions for the route. This guards against any potential conflicting developments on land previously planned for the new railway, thereby helping to reduce costs.

“The final design of the

HS2 Phase 2b Eastern Leg and its integration with Northern Powerhouse Rail will be determined by the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan that I aim to publish early this year,” he added.

The Integrated Rail Plan was due in late 2020 but has been delayed.

Stephenson explained that the latest safeguarding included a site east of Leeds that would be required to support potential integration between HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail. The developer of the site has been made aware of the new directions.

The safeguarding was announced two days after a Commons Debate on the High Speed Rail (West Midlands-Crewe) Bill, where Government was criticised over both HS2’s eastern leg and its approach to HS1 and Eurostar.

Shadow Rail Minister Tan Dhesi said in the debate: “Right now, we are seeing a complete absence in Government support for HS1 and Eurostar. What message does that send about the Government’s commitment to high-speed rail?

“For this project to be as successful as it can be, we need the Government’s full commitment to control the exploding costs of the project, commit to the stage 2b eastern leg to Leeds, minimise the environmental impact from construction, and ensure public consultation.”

Stephenson, while not commenting on HS1 and Eurostar, said of the eastern leg: “The rail-needs assessment from the National Infrastructure Commission only arrived with us in December. We have to consider that, and we also have to consider stakeholders’ thoughts about that report before responding.

“This morning I spoke to the leader of Leeds City Council, the leader of Bradford Council and others to ensure that I am hearing their views and critiques of the report, and that they can be taken into account. I very much hope that we will respond as soon as possible.”

Stephenson also reiterated the need to press ahead with HS2: “Government’s top priority at the moment is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, but this is ultimately a project for the long term.

“Phase 1 of the railway is not expected to be opened until 2029 to 2033. Whatever projections we come to about the impact of COVID-19 on the business case, this is a long-term investment that is about transforming rail journeys in the UK and freeing up the existing network.”

He concluded by saying that opponents of the project are shortsighted.