11.07.18
£1.8m government investment on way for HS2 station in East Midlands
Article by Callum Wood of Rail Technology Magazine
Chris Grayling has announced today that up to £1.8m is to be provided by the government to help fund the new HS2 station at Toton (East Midlands).
A new station at Toton will deliver more expedient journeys for passengers travelling by rail and improve connections with the cities of Birmingham, Manchester and London.
The funding will also be used to for the development of transport connection to the Toton hub including as tram and bus services. This will ensure that locals enjoy the full benefit of the funding.
Locals will also benefit from rising regional economy and hope be up to 74,000 new jobs by 2043 which is predicted to increase the local economy by £4bn.
Councillor Jon Collins, chairman of the East Midlands HS2 Strategic Board, and leader of Nottingham City Council said: “I am delighted about today’s announcement. The additional funding will help us to progress some of the key infrastructure projects that will make our growth ambitions a reality.’’
Councillor Kay Cutts, the chairwoman of the Toton Hub Station Delivery Board and leader of Nottinghamshire County Council said: "HS2 at Toton will present enormous opportunities for growth in the Midlands which is home to untapped potential.”
Other proposals include the development of an innovation campus which could create up to 10,000 skilled jobs and four new garden villages around the station area, as well as driving regeneration and new housing opportunities.
Earlier in the month, Chris Grayling asked HS2 to prepare for electrification of 25km Midland Main Line route.
Peter Richardson, Chair of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: ‘’HS2 will be a real ‘game changer’ for the East Midlands economy. The HS2 Hub Station at Toton together with the maintenance depot at Staveley and HS2 connectivity for Chesterfield are all massive opportunities for our businesses and in particular our young people. Today’s funding announcement represents a major step forward.’’
Previous funding in the region, by the government, includes £25m for the development of a transformational transport strategy for the region, as well as £1.8b for motorways and truck roads and distributing £1.7b for the local Growth fund.
The new high-speed train line is expected to be finish around 2033.
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Image credit: OwenPrice, iStock Images