MP: I have today (6
June 2019) published a government
consultation on 11 proposed refinements to the route
of HS2 Phase 2b, the
section of HS2running from
Birmingham to Leeds via the East Midlands, and from Crewe to
Manchester. These include the first proposals for infrastructure to
one day allow Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) trains to use
the HS2 route and vice
versa.
HS2 is making progress and
work on Phase 1 (from London to the West Midlands) is well
underway. Around 9,000 jobs are now supported by the delivery
of HS2, with 300
apprentices on board and 2,000 businesses working on building the
new backbone of Britain’s rail network.
HS2 Phase 2b will complete
the full ‘Y network’ and deliver the full benefits
of HS2 in terms of
capacity and better connections between cities and towns. Phase
2b will be a catalyst for regeneration and economic growth across
the North and Midlands. In July 2017, I confirmed the route from
Crewe to Manchester and Birmingham to Leeds via the East
Midlands. In November 2018, I consulted on working drafts of the
environmental statement and equalities impact
assessment for Phase 2b, a major milestone in preparing
the hybrid bill. I am today publishing a summary of the responses
to those consultations, which are informing HS2 Limited’s ongoing design work.
The proposals I am putting forward today mark another major
milestone for HS2 Phase 2b and follow extensive work
to ensure that the route offers the best value for taxpayers’
money as well as minimising disruption for residents and impacts
on the environment.
This consultation includes proposals to allow for 2 future
junctions that could see the HS2 line into Manchester used as part
of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR). These proposals have been
developed in partnership with Transport for the North, and, in
the future, would open up the opportunity for a potential new
route between Manchester and Liverpool that could also be used
for services between London and Liverpool.
Design work on the scheme continues and where further change is
needed we will consult again ahead of bill deposit. Further scope
to support the interfaces with NPR (including at Leeds)
and Midlands Connect is currently being considered and is subject
to future funding decisions. This consultation also considers
some works on the existing rail network that will allow
for HS2trains to run
between the south and our great northern cities.
It is an opportunity for communities affected by all the proposed
changes to have their say in how the scheme develops. Good
quality community engagement is crucial to HS2 and we want the input of those who
will be affected.
In addition to today’s consultation, I am also publishing updated
safeguarding directions for the Phase 2b route to reflect the
project’s updated land requirements. I am also extending the
rural property support zones for Phase 2b in certain areas, this
brings a greater number of property owners in scope of these
compensation schemes, or a higher value payment, enabling more
people to benefit.
