Summit talks on route for HS2 rail

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin met Sheffield Council leader Julie Dore and Leeds Council executive member Richard Lewis as well as other senior figures from England’s largest cities at a meeting in Liverpool to discuss the second-phase of HS2 which will run from Birmingham and head north.

The line will initially run from London to Birmingham and then branch out in a Y-shape eastwards towards Sheffield and Leeds and westwards to Manchester .

The initial phase to Birmingham is expected to be completed by 2026 with the route through to Leeds ready for 2032/33. The entire project is estimated to cost around £32bn. Trains on the HS2 line will run at speeds of up to 225mph – cutting more than 50 minutes off journey times between Leeds and London.

The benefit to Sheffield would be even greater with journey times cut by around an hour, with passengers able to reach London in just an hour and 10 minutes.

However, some of the potential benefits to Sheffield’s city centre economy may be offset by plans to run the route through a newly-built terminal at Meadowhall on the outskirts of the city.

Sheffield Council leader Julie Dore said: “We have written to the Government clearly outlining the views of ourselves and other partners on station location and have met to discuss the matter.

“It is crucial that further discussions are held before any final decision is made, to ensure the final station location is right.

“Sheffield City Council strongly supports high speed rail for the economic benefits it can bring to the economy of the North of England. We believe it is crucial the high speed rail station is located where it has the maximum potential to grow the economy of the Sheffield City Region.”

The Labour politician added: “Given that high speed rail is a once-in-100 years project, it is vitally important that decisions on station location are made based on the right data and analysis to help Sheffield and the other City Regions of the North achieve their full potential.”

Richard Lewis, Leeds Council executive member for economy and development, said HS2 would transform rail journeys to and from the North of England.

He added: “As a council we are keen to ensure that it also brings massive benefits in terms of the potential for Leeds and the surrounding area to develop further as a major hub for business, investment, jobs and leisure.

“The meeting with Patrick McLoughlin and the other Core City leaders was very useful and we are looking forward to hearing further announcements in the near future.”

Mr McLoughlin underlined the government’s determination to deliver HS2 to the North with the aim of boosting economic prosperity.

He said: “I welcome the support of the Core Cities group – including Leeds and Sheffield – and share their desire to see HS2 delivered as quickly as possible. HS2 is great news for Leeds and Sheffield as it will significantly cut journey times to London, Birmingham and the East Midlands.

“It will create jobs, drive growth and transform connectivity between the North, Midlands and London.

“We have been working closely with Leeds and Sheffield so that HS2 generates even more opportunities for people and businesses in these great cities.

“When I announce my preferred route for the next stage of the project, we will be able to provide more details about the benefits of a high-speed Britain to the area.”