Line hailed for generating new jobs and opportunities

Building HS2 Phase 2a from the West Midlands to Crewe will not only transform connectivity, it will also help to “unite and level up the country”.

That was the message from Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Speaking after Phase 2a was granted Royal Assent on February 11, he claimed: “HS2 is the most significant expansion to our national railways in a generation - transforming connectivity between our towns and cities and vastly increasing the capacity of our rail network.

“The construction of Phase 2a will support thousands of jobs and create opportunities for local businesses as we build back better.”

HS2 Ltd revealed that of almost 2,000 companies that have either worked or are currently working on HS2 Phase 1 between London and Birmingham, some 98% are based in Britain.

“As the first major railway built in the North for over 100 years, HS2 will spur massive economic growth for our towns and cities, help to level up the country, and provide cleaner and greener public transport for millions,” HS2 Ltd Chief Executive Mark Thurston said on February 11.

“As construction starts, this new phase of work will very quickly support 5,000 jobs in the North, with many more in the supply chain - further cementing HS2’s critical role in Britain’s economic recovery from the pandemic.”

The High Speed Rail Group said that building Phase 2a to Crewe will help to provide a new national transport spine for the country that will be a cornerstone of the Government’s ‘levelling up’ vision for Britain.

And Dr Kieran Mullan, Conservative MP for Crewe & Nantwich, said: “Extending the HS2 line to Crewe is a major step towards levelling up the North.

It is crucial to bringing new jobs and opportunities to our town and for creating better local rail connections as we free up the currently overly congested West Coast Main Line.

“This reaffirms Crewe’s status at the heart of the rail network. Just as we were a crucial part of the previous rail revolution, HS2 will cement our place as a vital part of the next.”

Businesses along the route will also benefit, according to Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce CEO Sara Williams.

“Extending the high-speed line northwards will generate thousands of contract opportunities for local businesses of all sizes, and their involvement will provide a vital boost for the Staffordshire economy in the years ahead,” she said.

HS2 Phases