21.03.14
‘HS2 can help rebalance Britain’ – Growth Taskforce
High-speed rail could help cities in the north and the Midlands becoming ‘global leaders’, according to new figures from the HS2 Growth Taskforce.
The taskforce’s report, ‘HS2: get ready’, recommends various steps, such as simplifying and joining up funding to deliver construction fast around HS2 stations sites, to maximise the economic and social impacts of HS2.
By accelerating regeneration and development of brownfield land on the route the Taskforce argues that “big benefits will be seen in just a few years”. It also calls for city regions to work together to integrate local transport networks.
Lord Deighton, Taskforce chair, commercial secretary to the Treasury and the former chief executive of London 2012, said: “Like the Olympics, HS2 has the potential to be a great British success story, bringing jobs and growth to the whole country. Our report sets out the common sense steps that we need to take now to achieve this.”
The Growth Taskforce brings together figures from across the political spectrum and the private and public sectors. Its study also follows Sir David Higgins’ report, HS2 plus, which was published earlier this week, setting out how HS2 might be delivered sooner.
Other recommendations from the report include developing new local bodies to create tailored growth plans for cities along the HS2 route; encouraging local leaders and business to use HS2 to ‘supercharge’ their city regions by creating world-leading transport; working to ensure young people understand and capitalise on the career opportunities HS2 will open up; provide support for British firms to bid for HS2 contracts; and ensure HS2 contracts lead to local job creation, skills development and apprenticeships.
Sir Howard Bernstein, CEO Manchester City Council and deputy chair of the Taskforce, explained: “HS2 is not just a railway. It is the opportunity to re-balance Britain and kick-start regeneration in my city and others across the Midlands and the north of England. It is imperative that we work together to do all we possibly can to get the country ready.”
Railway Industry Assocation (RIA) director general Jeremy Candfield said: “Skills are a major issue and the report is right to emphasise their importance and HS2's potential for strengthening the supply base. That must be for the long term, not just during the construction phase. It is vital that the country takes the greatest advantage of the opportunities presented by HS2.
“We also applaud the report's recognition of the need for greater collaboration across the railway sector. Both this and skills are areas where RIA and its members have been vigorously engaged for some time. HS2 has the potential to drive real gains, both within the railway industry and for the nation as a whole. This needs to be translated into reality at the earliest opportunity.”
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