The High Speed Rail Group (HSRG) has welcomed the Government’s announcement of its long-term intention to build a new railway line from Birmingham to Manchester, connecting to HS2, which will run from London to Birmingham. The Group says the new link is vital to prevent Britain’s biggest rail bottleneck north of Birmingham and to ensure the billions already invested in HS2 Phase 1 deliver maximum benefit.
However, concerns remain over the lack of detail surrounding the project. Timescales for delivery could stretch beyond a decade, and the Government’s decision not to extend land purchase powers—due to expire next month—has raised alarm within the industry. While land north of Birmingham could still be acquired later, this would require fresh legislation and likely come at a higher cost.
HSRG, which draws on international expertise in high-speed rail, warns that delaying the Birmingham-Manchester connection risks undermining the full benefits of the London-Birmingham high-speed line.
A spokesperson for HSRG said:
“The Government’s commitment to build a new line from Birmingham to Manchester is essential and the right decision. It will maximise the benefits of the investment already made into HS2 and avoid locking in Britain’s biggest bottleneck north of Birmingham.
“The industry is concerned, though, that the timescales for delivering this new line appear uncertain and potentially some decades away. We are also concerned that the Government does not intend to extend the land purchase powers between Birmingham and Crewe, which expire next month.
“It makes more sense to retain these legal powers whilst the Government develop a clear, costed plan for connections north beyond HS2”.
“Nonetheless, today is a step forward in recognising that the previous plan did not work. We look forward to working with the Government to develop the plan for an affordable new line from Birmingham to Manchester, which is key to unlocking economic growth in the north of England.”
Responding to today’s announcement on Northern Powerhouse Rail, Colette Carroll OBE, Managing Director - Transportation, UK & Ireland, AtkinsRéalis, said:
"A well-connected, reliable transport network is the backbone of a thriving economy: the renewed commitment to deliver Northern Powerhouse Rail is good news for businesses across the North.
“The UK has a world-class rail supply chain and there are an increasing number of transport projects completed on schedule thanks to closer collaboration and more integrated delivery partnerships.
“Industry is ready to move at pace to deliver projects underway and keep Northern Powerhouse Rail on track to help realise the full benefits of improved transport links offer to communities across the North.”
In March 2025, AtkinsRéalis was appointed by Network Rail to support the design of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), the Integrated Rail Plan (IRP), Network North, and the Enhancements Portfolio within Network Rail's Eastern region, working in partnership with Arcadis.
Image credit: iStock
