15.01.16
Sheffield to make the case for HS2 city hub despite DfT preference
The Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) will make the case for an HS2 station on the site of the old Victoria station near the city centre, rather than at the out-of-town Meadowhall shopping centre, at a seminar on 18 February.
Arguing that the station location will have enormous implications on the future of the region’s economy, the organisation concluded that the Victoria station site would cause less disruption to businesses and housing because the route follows existing train lines.
The two red pins show the two station location options
It also argued that it is “by far the best strategic fit” considering the objectives of the Northern Powerhouse and HS3, building on Transport for the North’s (TfN’s) commitment to city-to-city connectivity.
The Chamber’s executive director, Richard Wright, said the seminar is designed to “lay out the facts as clearly as possible” to inform local businesses and others affected to lobby the government.
“We would urge you to come and hear for yourself. We want the strength and confidence that your backing will give us as we continue to lobby government for the right decision for the city and Sheffield City Region,” he said.
“There are a number of very important decisions being made this year and first among these is the location of the HS2 station.”
The event, held at the Memorial Hall at Sheffield City Hall from 8am, will consist of guest speakers, a debate and a Q&A session.
But despite the organisation’s efforts, the Meadowhall location remains the government’s preferred location for the HS2 hub, according to the latest DfT documents. Calculations on the reductions in journey times across the HS2 network also take the Meadowhall site into consideration.
“Locating the South Yorkshire Hub at Sheffield Meadowhall was the government’s preferred option in the phase 2 route consultation. The evidence continues to suggest this is likely to be the best way of serving the wider South Yorkshire region,” the government document said. “However some respondents gave a preference for locating the station in Sheffield city centre. One such site would be at Sheffield Victoria, a currently disused railway station on the north side of the inner ring road.
“We recognise the arguments put forward for a city centre station in Sheffield and we continue to explore them. We are committed to ensuring that HS2 delivers the largest possible benefits and continue to work with local partners to ensure that Sheffield city centre will benefit from HS2.”
The department will work alongside TfN and the National Infrastructure Commission on the possible interfaces with Northern Powerhouse Rail as it examines the relevant analyses for all station options.
It intends to make a decision on the HS2 South Yorkshire Hub in the autumn.