Better transport links key to reap rewards of HS2

A taskforce set up by the Government to set out ideas on how to make sure the new line helps create jobs and boost the economy has described High Speed Two (HS2) as a “once in a generation opportunity” that could help close the North-South divide.

Its interim report compares the potential impact of the line to that of the Channel Tunnel and the Jubilee Line extension in London, arguing that better transport connections will make cities outside the South-East more attractive to investors.

It also calls for lessons to be learned from previous similar projects, pointing to a station built on a high speed rail line in France that failed to deliver the expected benefits.

Lord Deighton, who was chief executive of the London Olympics organising committee and who chairs the taskforce, said: “HS2 is set to be the biggest construction project in Europe and it’s vital we harness the huge potential that it offers the UK. It’s not just a transport project and it’s not just for one central Government department to deliver in isolation.

“The Growth Taskforce is due to visit Leeds later this year and I look forward to hearing about their plans for HS2. It is vital that they are ready to take advantage of the business opportunities, jobs and skills that will come with HS2.

“Growth and regeneration won’t just be handed to us on a plate –we need to think big, we need to plan ahead and most importantly we need to work together if we are to really make the most of this once in a generation opportunity and help Britain to compete in the global race.”

The first phase of HS2 will see a new rail line connecting London to Birmingham. A second phase will see two lines built from Birmingham to the North with one arm connecting to Manchester and the other to Yorkshire where new stations are currently planned for Meadowhall and on land close to Asda House in Leeds city centre.

On the current timetable, the line to Leeds and Sheffield is not expected to open until 2032 although it has been recently suggested that the project may be speeded up.

The project has faced considerable criticism in recent weeks with opponents arguing the projected benefits are not worth the £43bn price tag.

A think-tank report also suggested the the true cost has been underestimated and could eventually rise to £80bn.

The HS2 Growth Taskforce, whose members include Sheffield City Council leader Julie Dore and Roger Marsh, chairman of the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, will publish a further report next year outlining how the benefits of HS2 can be maximised.

Leigh Bramall, Sheffield City Council cabinet member for business, skills and city development, said: “This report hits the nail on head in terms of the real questions on HS2 and collecting the evidence and arguments about why this is an important project.

“It has been treated as a transport project moving people from A to B but if it is genuinely going to rebalance the economy and help to raise levels of economic activity of the big northern cities to the levels we have seen in the South-East then it’s got to be about growth.

“The key reason for building this project is that it will deliver a better standard of living and jobs for people.”

The taskforce said cities could start to benefit long before the first HS2 train arrives by planning ahead and securing wider investment.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “With more than 95 per cent of Crossrail’s budget to date being spent in the UK, I am determined that HS2 will replicate and build on this success for British businesses.”

• The Yorkshire Post is passionate about the region and its people. And we know you are, too.

This week we launch an important project to give voice to the rich and varied views of the people of Yorkshire on the issues that matter.

The Yorkshire Post Big Debate will bring together key opinion-formers, politicians, business leaders and, crucially, you, our valued readers, to discuss and share ideas on the matters affecting God’s Own County.

Through our website, through social media such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and, of course, in the pages of this newspaper, we will focus on key areas that influence our everyday lives and impact on the prosperity of the region.

We start this week with the proposed £50bn HS2 rail line – and we will move on to other areas: the north-south divide, care of the elderly, education, and more.

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