High-speed rail study ready for Ministers

Transport Secretary Justine Greening said the study from Whitehall advisory company HS2 Ltd will be kept under wraps over the summer and published alongside the Government’s detailed route proposals this autumn.

Those proposals could include stations in Leeds, South Yorkshire, Manchester, the East Midlands and at Heathrow airport as the second phase of the high-speed network extends north from Birmingham in a “Y” shape.

The HS2 report will also include “advice on the case and potential locations for additional stations”.

The Government is already committed to going ahead with the first phase of the £32bn HS2, which will see ultra-fast trains running from London to Birmingham on a new line which could be completed by 2026. The second phase should be completed around 2032/33.

In a statement yesterday, Ms Greening said she intends to publish the HS2 report in the autumn “together with a Government response setting out initial preferred route and station options”.

While Leeds is widely expected to receive a new city centre station, there has been considerable debate in South Yorkshire over whether its HS2 link should be located in Sheffield city centre, at Meadowhall or elsewhere in the county.

Ms Greening made it clear that the views of local councils and others will be taken on board before final decisions are taken.

“An important part of this process will be to consider the views of partners in the cities where HS2 stations may be located,” she said.

“Understanding local desires and plans for development will be crucial in helping me reach initial preferences for station locations.

“I am particularly keen to ensure the network best supports the economic potential of the cities and regions it serves through well-integrated station locations.”

Ms Greening said she now hopes to bring the public consultation on the new lines forward to 2013.