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HS2 review commissioned

By on August 21, 2019

The fate of the multi-billion-pound high-speed rail project, and associated large-scale developments around Manchester and Crewe, will be decided by the autumn after the Government confirmed it has commissioned a review into “whether and how HS2 should proceed”.

Rumours of the review had been swirling ever since Boris Johnson became Prime Minister in July, and the Government has now confirmed Douglas Oakervee will pen a review into the future of the project, set to provide high-speed rail services between London, Birmingham, Crewe, Manchester, and Leeds.

The review will look into the benefits and impacts of HS2; its affordability and efficiency; its deliverability; and its scope and phasing, particularly in relationship to Northern Powerhouse Rail.

For the North West, several huge projects hinge on the delivery of the railway line, particularly in Crewe and Manchester.

Manchester Airport Group statement on the HS2 review:
“The High Speed 2 line to Manchester will be a vital part of rebalancing the UK economy and creating better transport links to, from and across the North.
“It is imperative that both HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail are delivered as quickly as possible and connected by a hub station at Manchester Airport to realise the full economic potential of both schemes.
“Connecting the country more effectively, both North-South and East-West, would drive economic growth across the UK, and do the most to rebalance our economy.
“MAG would like see work on the northern leg of HS2 accelerated – and delivered in tandem with Northern Powerhouse Rail – to allow the benefits of better connectivity in the North to be felt much sooner.
“We look forward to welcoming Douglas Oakervee and the review team to Manchester Airport to further discuss these issues.”

About Lucy Thorpe

Lucy Thorpe is a freelance journalist who writes for the Knutsford Times - covering stories and news in and around Cheshire and Greater Manchester. If you've got a story to share, or would like to speak to Lucy, please email news@knutsfordtimes.co.uk

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