Key figures from the West Midlands region gave a united welcome to today’s Government announcement of multibillion-pound plans for a network of High Speed Rail (HSR) lines across the country.
The Government Command Paper published by Transport Secretary Lord Adonis outlines the proposed route and the cost of an HSR line running from London to Birmingham by 2025, featuring 250mph 1,100-seater trains with a journey time of 49 minutes.
The National Strategy for High Speed Rail outlines how:
• London to Birmingham would be the first phase of a national “Y-shape” high speed rail network that would go on to serve the North West and North East
• A new station would be built at Curzon Street / Fazeley Street, Birmingham
• A second station south east of Birmingham in the area of Birmingham International Airport (BIA) and NEC would be built, subject to acceptable funding package being identified
• A direct link to Heathrow would be provided by a fast and direct link from a Cross Rail Interchange Station located between Paddington and Heathrow
• The necessary links to the conventional rail network should be provided
Following initial work in 2007, Advantage West Midlands, Birmingham City Council, Centro and Birmingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry have been working closely to build the case for high-speed rail to the region.
The work was endorsed by the West Midlands Joint Strategy & Investment Board, which is co-chaired by Sir Roy McNulty, chairman of Advantage West Midlands, and Councillor Roger Philips, of the West Midlands Leaders Board.
Sir Roy McNulty said: “We welcome the announcement of a high speed rail network and that government has recognised the strong regional case we have made for two new stations - one at Curzon Street in Birmingham City Centre and a second located near to BIA/ the NEC – it’s a confidence boost for the entire region. But the work doesn’t stop here.
“As the proposed development goes out to consultation, it is essential that public and private partners across the West Midlands continue to demonstrate strong and unwavering support if we are to secure this significant opportunity and required investment.
“Birmingham is the region’s capital and gateway to a world-class region – but it is also a region that has been hit hardest hit by the recession.
“Transport has a vital role to play in the region’s future prosperity. Without continued and ongoing investment in our transport infrastructure, the West Midlands could become known for being congested instead of well connected.
“Partners across the region will continue to deliver transport priorities and needs of today – with the potential of a high-speed rail network of tomorrow offering new business opportunities, economic regeneration of a scale not seen in this part of the city for years and the creation of much needed jobs.”
Vice-chair Councillor Roger Philips said: "Connecting our cities and regions is vital for the West Midlands to compete effectively on a global scale. High speed rail has a critical role to play in this.
“Through the Joint Strategy & Investment Board, the West Midlands Leaders Board, funding agencies and business leaders have been the driving force behind securing a high-speed rail link to the region, working together to put the strategy in place that will ensure the region is well placed to meet future challenges and opportunities.
“The West Midlands Leaders Board will ensure that we continue to influence future Government decisions to make sure that the conventional railway connects the people, communities and businesses across the West Midlands to the high speed rail network."
Jerry Blackett, of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, said: “The opportunities presented by HSR coming to Birmingham will be enormous, not only for the region but the whole country.
“Reduced travel times and increased capacity will create new market opportunities, boost inward investment and significantly increase the region’s accessibility to workers, customers and suppliers, leading to higher levels of productivity.”
Geoff Inskip, Chief Executive of Centro added: “The benefits of the West Midlands being at the heart of the High Speed Rail network are simply enormous. Not only will it provide a major boost to our local economy and attractiveness by bringing the region much closer to other key national and international cities, it will also give us a much needed opportunity to improve local train services for passengers by providing much greater regional rail capacity further supporting regeneration of the region.
“The high speed rail proposals will be complemented perfectly by the work we are doing to provide high-quality, frequent and easy-to-use bus, rail and Metro services which will provide essential links from High Speed Rail to all areas of the region for residents, visitors and businesses.”
Colin Flack, Chief Executive of the Railway Alliance, a West Midlands-based business networking organisation with linking more than 2,000 SMEs connected to the rail industry, said: “We have been working closely with the team at BIS and the DfT and really believe that this is a major opportunity to a wide range of companies across the region. We believe that the challenge for us all now is to help our region grasp this with both hands and not let go.”
“This is great news and to be embraced. It is the start of a lengthy process, but one that will produce opportunities from day one. The responsibility is now all of ours to make sure we make the very most of it.”