Groundbreaking new rail line to connect Midlands to North West will deliver £70bn boost
The proposed rail link could add an estimated £70bn to local economies, filling the gap left by the cancellation of HS2's Phase 2, with a report suggesting the scheme could also deliver up to £24bn a year in tax revenue
A powerhouse boost to the tune of £70 billion is in store for local economies courtesy of this rail connection, which plans to extend from Lichfield in Staffordshire to High Legh in Cheshire, rising as a phoenix from the ashes of the scrapped HS2 Phase 2.
It's not solely about regional prosperity insights from an associated report hint at the line channelling up to £24 billion per annum into tax coffers, marking a windfall for the Exchequer.
Support from corporate titans including Arcadis and Skanska underscores the project's magnitude, conceived as a remedy for current strains on transport. The initiative points to a resurrection of a pivotal UK infrastructure artery.
The West Midlands' Mayor Richard Parker proclaimed: "Additional rail capacity to and from the North is vital for the West Midlands. It's about more than quicker journeys; it's about connecting people, communities, and businesses to jobs and opportunities.", as reported by City AM.
"I'll work with the government to ensure this happens, but we must also learn from successful rail systems around the world to deliver the best network and real value to the public.
"Without this extension, we will continue to be reliant on the West Coast mainline, which is already maxed out and impacting on the people of this region and wider. We need to free up capacity and we need to get this right for our future and our economy."
The rail network in the Midlands and North of England has been plagued by persistent problems for decades, which are frequently blamed for regional economic underperformance and frustration with connectivity.
In their report outlining proposals for the new train line, business leaders urged the government to form a steering group that would bring together the private sector, local authorities, and central government.
It suggests that this group would oversee a six-month feasibility study for a proposed rail link between the Midlands and the North West, focused on attracting private investment, improving financial and economic planning, and developing technical solutions.
The proposal also calls on the government to keep control of land along the former HS2 Phase 2A route and retain planning powers to prevent any delays in moving the new link forward.
Andy Burham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: "If we fail to put in place a plan soon to fix rail capacity and connectivity between the North and the Midlands, the already-congested West Coast Main Line and M6 will become major barriers to economic growth in the UK.
"But there is good news for the government. Our report concludes that we do not have to revive HS2 to unlock those benefits.
"There is a viable option to build a new rail line between Lichfield and High Legh, connecting HS2 to Northern Powerhouse Rail, with almost all of the benefits of HS2 delivered quickly and crucially at a significantly lower cost.
"Doing nothing is not an option as demand for rail services on the West Coast Main Line is set to exceed capacity within a decade.
"We are ready to work with government, colleagues in the West Midlands and the business community to build a railway fit for the 21st century. But we do need early decisions to end the uncertainty."
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Transport is an essential part of our mission to rebuild Britain, and we are absolutely committed to improving rail connectivity across the North and working with devolved leaders, as set out in the Government's manifesto."
"We are currently reviewing the position we have inherited on HS2 and will set out next steps in due course."
