A new rail link is being vigorously advocated to connect the West Midlands and North West. This comes on the heels of the cancellation of HS2 Phase Two.
The report outlines the critical need for private sector investment and the potential economic benefits of almost £70 billion annually. Its publication was led by a consortium of private sector entities.
Report Advocates for New Rail Line
A newly published report has made a compelling case for a new rail link between the West Midlands and North West. The Midlands-Northwest Rail Link, a proposed 50-mile track, aims to attract private investment and deliver numerous benefits at a much-reduced cost compared to the original HS2 plan.
Compiled by a consortium led by Arup and commissioned by West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, the study follows the government’s recent decision to cancel Phase Two of HS2. This original scheme intended to connect Birmingham, Crewe, Manchester Airport, and Manchester city centre.
Economic and Logistical Benefits
The report titled ‘Opportunity through connectivity: catalysing growth through a Midlands-Northwest Rail Link’, highlights the myriad benefits of the new line. It aims to divert traffic from the heavily congested M6 motorway, thereby enhancing freight operations by moving passenger services off the West Coast Main Line.
With the potential to add up to £70 billion annually to local economies and generate £24 billion in tax revenues, the proposed line could provide substantial economic uplift. The report emphasises the role of the private sector in financing and delivering such infrastructure projects.
Role of Private Sector and Government
The consortium, which includes Arcadis, Addleshaw Goddard, EY, Dragados, Mace, and Skanska, is urging the government to include the project in the upcoming Autumn Budget. This would enable the commencement of a feasibility study to assess the line’s viability.
A steering group is recommended to be established between the private sector and combined authorities to spearhead the development of technical analyses. The ongoing collaboration between private entities and local governments is aimed at creating the most financially and logistically feasible project.
Cost-Effectiveness and Project Scope
The proposed line is expected to be more cost-effective than the original HS2 plan, delivering around 85% of the benefits at only 60-70% of the cost. The analysis attributes these savings to the use of lower design speeds, ballasted tracks, and UK standard cross-sections.
Additionally, the potential cost savings of £2 billion underscore the project’s viability. Utilising the groundwork already laid for Phase Two of HS2, the plan offers a practical and efficient approach to enhancing regional rail connectivity.
Stakeholder Opinions and Future Steps
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, stated, “The report is clear: failing to implement a plan for rail capacity and connectivity between the North and the Midlands will turn existing infrastructure into major bottlenecks for economic growth.”
Richard Parker, West Midlands Mayor, echoed these sentiments, “Additional rail capacity is vital for connecting people, communities, and businesses to jobs and opportunities. Relying solely on the West Coast Main Line is no longer sustainable.”
Economic and Social Implications
Henrietta Brealey, Chief Executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, describes the report’s release as “timely,” especially following the government’s decision to cut HS2 beyond Birmingham. She underscores the importance of private sector expertise in moving the project forward.
Economic growth, job creation, and enhanced productivity levels are among the broader benefits anticipated from this new railway project. The combined efforts of the local government and private sector stakeholders aim to drive these outcomes effectively.
Key Recommendations
The report outlines several key recommendations, including maintaining government ownership of current landholdings on the former Phase 2A route from Handsacre to Crewe. It also calls for the reinstatement of safeguarding measures for land not yet acquired.
The plan also suggests re-incorporating the Crewe to High Legh segment into the repurposed Northern Powerhouse Rail Hybrid Bill. These steps are crucial to ensure the project’s feasibility and timely implementation.
Potential Challenges and Solutions
While the report offers a comprehensive analysis, potential challenges such as funding gaps, regulatory approvals, and stakeholder alignment remain. However, the documented cost savings and economic benefits provide a strong case for overcoming these hurdles.
Effective collaboration between the public and private sectors, along with community engagement, will be key to navigating these challenges. Stakeholders are optimistic that the project’s numerous benefits will outweigh the obstacles.
The push for a new rail link between the West Midlands and North West is gaining momentum, supported by compelling economic and logistical benefits.
As government and private sector entities align their efforts, this ambitious project could set a new standard for regional rail infrastructure in the UK.
