The HS2 Growth Taskforce is meeting key figures from the West Midlands today (6 Sept) in the first of a series of roadshows to ensure that regions maximise the benefits of high speed rail.
Commercial Secretary to the Treasury and Chair of the HS2 Growth Taskforce Lord Deighton said: “With Birmingham firmly at the heart of the new HS2 network it is a great place to start our roadshows and consider the transformational effect HS2 could have on the city and West Midlands. Redevelopment at Curzon Street as a result of the new station would see the area become a vibrant hub with the potential for retail, leisure and other industries to maximise this opportunity.
“HS2 is not just a project for London or the station cities and the Growth Taskforce is determined to see the benefits stretch far and wide across the country. That is why getting out and meeting with our city and business leaders is so vital and will go a long way to informing our final report to the Government.”
Sir Albert Bore, Leader of Birmingham City Council, and member of the HS2 Growth Taskforce, said: "I am pleased that the HS2 Growth Taskforce is in Birmingham to see all that the city has to offer and to consider how it could benefit from HS2.
"New research by KPMG for the regional transport authority, Centro, published today reveals that HS2 will deliver 50,000 jobs and £4bn of economic growth each year for the West Midlands. The figures show the benefits of connecting Birmingham and London are more than doubled when the region - at the heart of the HS2 'Y' network - is also linked with Manchester and Leeds."
The Government believes HS2 will be a key driver of jobs and growth. Independent analysis commissioned by Greengauge 21 predicts that HS2 is capable of generating up to 22,000 construction jobs in the next five years, rising to a maximum of 50,000 construction related jobs by the late 2020s. The Government sees the Taskforce as crucial in unlocking this potential.
The regional roadshows will continue to the end of the year with meetings in Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham, Liverpool and London set to be confirmed. They will also involve representatives from neighbouring cities ensuring the Taskforce hears from as many people as possible.
Our latest HS2 newsletter is out now - read it below: