24.05.17
Plans to connect HS2 Interchange to Birmingham Airport being explored
Transport bosses in the Midlands are considering proposals to build a terminal building linking the HS2 station to Birmingham Airport.
The HS2 Interchange station will be located approximately 1.2 miles away from the airport and, if plans go through, could include a mover system to transport passengers to get their flight.
This could open up the doors of international travel for HS2 customers, as passengers in London may be tempted to go to Birmingham to catch their flight, as it will only take around 38 minutes to get to the Midlands on the high-speed service when it is planned to open in 2026.
“HS2 will give our region an enormous opportunity to develop a truly integrated transport network that supports the continued growth of our regions connectivity and aids travellers,” a statement from the airport read.
“It is therefore vital we maximise the benefits of its arrival in 2026, at which time Birmingham Airport will become the UK's first high-speed connected airport and its catchment area will be dramatically enlarged into central London, giving it an increasingly national role.”
The spokesperson added that the airport was currently undergoing a master planning process to explore and preserve options for the long-term future of Midlands air travel.
“This exercise is not only exploring options to maximise the existing site but also future expansion opportunities and how it makes the most of this unique position with HS2 to ensure that all growth and infrastructure considerations are aligned to ultimately benefit the region’s businesses, workers and residents,” the statement concluded.
Today’s news also follows a consultation opening in Camden to garner the views of residents on how to transform London Euston when HS2 comes through the station.
And earlier in the month, RTM revealed that HS2 had submitted plans to make use of the disused Curzon Street station entrance, which is one of the oldest train stations in the world, by turning it into a visitor centre.
At Railtex 2017, an HS2 boss also told the audience that the £55bn project was not going over budget and would be completed on time – contradicting previous reports in the media.
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