New HS2 report underlines project 's wider benefits - Chamber

A new report into the progress of HS2 underlines the wider benefits the project is already bringing to the UK, business leaders said today.

Andrew Stephenson, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, yesterday published his latest six-monthly update to Parliament on the progress of the high-speed rail project.

Mr Stephenson reiterated HS2 remains at the forefront of the government 's long-term investment plan to better connect people and places, boost productivity and create jobs to help rebalance the economy.

He also listed a set of achievements for the project which included mobilising Covid-secure construction for Phase One and supporting 15,000 skilled jobs, as well as contracting 2,100 companies on the project.

HS2 Ltd is also considering tenders to become its construction partner at Birmingham Curzon Street Station, with tendering for Birmingham Interchange Station expected this summer.

Furthermore, the minister announced that preparations are underway for a Hybrid Bill for the western leg of Phase 2b.

An Integrated Rail Plan, which involves the eastern leg will be published before the end of Spring.

A link to the report is here.

Paul Faulkner, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “It 's refreshing to hear a government minister talk so positively about the wider benefits that HS2 has already brought to our country and the important role it will play at the heart of an economic recovery as we emerge from the pandemic.

“Yesterday 's labour market statistics underlined the severity of the employment crisis we are currently facing and the fact that the HS2 project has already created thousands of jobs and supply chain opportunities for local businesses reiterates the vital part it will play in getting this country back on its feet after such an uncertain period.

“However, if we are to accrue the full benefits from HS2 then the government must commit to delivering it in full - no other project comes close to delivering the strategic gains related to capacity, environmental sustainability and productivity that building HS2 in its entirety would bring to the country as a whole.

“If the Government is serious about 'Building Back Better ' then let 's hope those intentions are clearly reflected when they publish the Integrated Rail Plan in the spring. ”

Pictured: An artist's impression of the new Curzon Street station