HS2 boss predicts new line will create 500,000 new jobs

The chair of HS2 Ltd has claimed the controversial new rail line could help create 500,000 new jobs.

Speaking today at Built Environment Networking’s HS2 Economic Growth Conference, Sir Terry Morgan is expected to say existing local growth plans show it could help create almost 500,000 jobs and nearly 90,000 new homes across the country.

And Sir Terry will add ‘this is only the beginning of the spread of wealth HS2 can bring by joining up Britain’.

‘Already incredible opportunities have opened up where HS2 has been embraced and a compelling vision created,’ Sir Terry is expected to say.

‘Not every region has developed their thinking yet, and my experience tells that we’ll see these numbers continue to grow.’

He will also challenge both political and business leaders to put aside the old ways of working in order to ensure that this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity delivers a maximum return.

‘HS2 is seeing new strategic alliances form which overcome old rivalries. Our local leaders and businesses know best where homes need to be built, where people need retraining and where existing and new industries can grow,’ said Sir Terry.

‘Only by tapping into this local knowledge and expanded partnership working can we reshape Britain permanently. It is now important that towns and cities take ownership of their plans to ensure we make the most from HS2.’

Sir Terry will also highlight both the Constellation Partnership and HS2 East, bodies which has seen local enterprise partnerships (LEP) and local authorities join forces to create ambitious new alliances which are supercharged by the investment in HS2.

‘There is huge potential for sustainable growth associated to HS2 in our area,’ said Cheshire East Council leader, Cllr Rachel Bailey.

‘An HS2 hub at Crewe will not only serve the town itself but also will bring HS2 benefits to the North West, North Wales and the Constellation Partnership,’ she added

‘We have formed strategic partnerships to develop a clear plan on how HS2 can support good growth, not just in Crewe or Cheshire East, but across the whole region. As a partnership, we are the place where everything connects and for Crewe, HS2 is a major catalyst for delivering this change.

‘We have made great progress to date and will continue working in partnership with the major stakeholders to deliver the right hub at Crewe as we know this is the right for our communities,’ added the council leader.

Last month, Nottinghamshire County Council announced that regeneration specialists, LCR, will be spearheading the new East Midlands HS2 station at Toton.

According to the council, the new HS2 station presents a ‘once in a generation opportunity’ for the local, regional and national economy.