31.07.13
HS2 Taskforce members appointed
The HS2 Growth Taskforce has been bolstered by senior figures from across the UK, transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin has announced.
The group was set up to maximise the economic benefits of HS2 and seeks to learn from the success of Crossrail’s supply chain. Chaired by the commercial secretary Lord Deighton, the group now comprises:
Sir Howard Bernstein, CEO of Manchester City Council (deputy chairman); Sir Albert Bore, leader of Birmingham City Council; Sir John Rose, deputy chairman of Rothschild Group; Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the TUC; Neale Coleman, Mayor of London’s Adviser on Olympic Legacy; Professor Tony Venables of Oxford University; Alison Nimmo, CEO at Crown Estate; Pete Waterman, Cheshire and Warrington LEP; Cllr Julie Dore, leader of Sheffield City Council; Cllr Matthew Colledge, leader of Trafford Council; and Lorraine Baldry, chair of London & Continental Railways.
The taskforce will make recommendations on how to make the most of regional and national growth opportunities, and help prepare the UK workforce for new jobs.
Lord Deighton said: “HS2 presents a massive opportunity to boost growth in regions across the UK and it’s vital that we talk to business leaders, public sector organisations, local Government and the public about how we maximise the benefit to the whole of the country.
“I am delighted to have such a skilled team working with me on the HS2 taskforce. They know the huge benefits large scale infrastructure projects can bring if they are done in the right way.
“I am confident that together we have the right blend of experience and expertise to make sure HS2 delivers its full potential in terms of jobs and growth.”
McLoughlin said: “HS2 is about far more than just a new railway, it provides a once in a generation opportunity to drive growth, generate jobs, and secure our country’s future prosperity. We have no choice but to address the increasing demands on our transport system that Britain will face in the next decade to be able to compete in the global economic race.
“Lord Deighton has pulled together an incredibly impressive group of people for this taskforce, all highly respected experts in their field. Their skills and experience will help ensure that we squeeze every possible benefit from this vital project.
“Building on the success of HS1 and its role in the transformation of Kings Cross, HS2 will act as catalyst to city centre regeneration and major development schemes. HS2 is a huge project and I am determined to get maximum payback from the investment.”
HS2 Ltd commercial director Beth West welcomed the appointments and said: “Their collective knowledge will further strengthen our ability to make HS2 a catalyst for Britain’s future prosperity, supporting economic growth and assisting towns and cities to deliver regeneration, skills and jobs”.
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