HS2

Huguenot   26/01/2017 at 17:59

The S Yorks HS2 station has got to have interchange with the classic network, not just be near a motorway. That was one advantage of Meadowhall. Of the new shortlist, only Mexborough meets this requirement. Most of the others are either nowhere near an existing rail line or provide potential interchange to/from only a limited number of destinations (e.g. Wales is OK for Worksop but not Doncaster). Fitzwilliam and Hemsworth are too far north to serve S Yorks. What a mess.

Kate   27/01/2017 at 12:41

Is this HS2 trying to appease those who are doing a great job in opposing having the S Yorks station situated at Sheffield Midland. The option of having the station at Meadowhall, as was the original site, would serve all of the communities suggested for a Parkway station saving more distress for communities and probably an overall cost saving. Having the station in the centre of Sheffield is purely a vanity project for Sheffield City Council who should take note and listen to the views of the people of South Yorkshire.

Graham Nalty   27/01/2017 at 13:43

Hugenot makes a very sensible point when he says that HS2 must interchange with the classic network. But the real benefit will only occur when the interchange is made at a station with good connectivity to the rest of the region and that, by a large margin is Sheffield Midland. Having the interchange at Sheffield Midland is not a vanity project, but the very best choice for the South Yorkshire region, not only because it would contribute considerable more passengers to HS2, but also because, according to economics experts Volterra, a Sheffield city centre station could generate three time the number of jobs compared to Meadowhall, not only in Sheffield, but also in Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster. Other European cities have their high speed trains calling at their city centre station, so why not Sheffield? Certainly the two media polls I read last year showed 86% and 80% in favour of a city centre station for Sheffield.

Geoff   27/01/2017 at 14:51

Kate is right - the delays to ongoing services to Leeds diverted by a spur to Sheffield Midland would negate benefits of HS2 in comparison to ECML times. How many services a day could Sheffield justify as a terminus?

Emily O'dowd   27/01/2017 at 15:48

Great detailed stories on this page! I also found out about Chris Grayling's latest procurement of rolling stock. https://www.smartrailworld.com/britains-hs2-project-is-seeking-the-worlds-most-advanced-rolling-stock

Mike Jones   27/01/2017 at 19:13

HS2 is obsessing with parkway stations. Two provincial airports will have stations, and not only are Nottingham and Sheffield to be left off the network, but the arrangements in Birmingham will leave Coventry and Wolverhampton high and dry too. And tough luck Stoke, Macclesfield and Wakefield, even Crewe? Some of these decissions may be necessary, but the general impression is that the design team don't use the train or public transport much or live in a city.

Graham Nalty   27/01/2017 at 19:17

Well said Mike Jones. What a succinct comment of the poor state of affairs. Offering 8 parkway stations at places no one wants to go, whilst not using Sheffield Midland at the major South Yorkshire interchange is simply adding insult to injury.

Stu B   09/02/2017 at 17:58

IMO to maximise useship and connectivity hs2 need to tunnel into midland station. If they can't due to cost or flooding risks they need to use Meadowhall as the hs2 stop that would have faster and more frequent service into Sheffield than the joke Midland branch line on the table and act as a great regional hub. I'm embarrassed as a Sheffielder by Sheffield city council pushing for the worse option and in the process shafting the rest of South Yorkshire, and even Huddersfield and Wakefield!! Everyone should direct their thoughts to Leigh Bramall and Sheffield city council. I can only apologise - Stuart, Hackenthorpe