More detailed plans for an “HS3” rail link that would cross the Pennines and reduce the journey time from Liverpool to Leeds to just one hour are due to be drawn up by March by HS2 executive chairman Sir David Higgins.
The new line could either involve tunnelling a new route, or utilise existing but unused tunnels. It would also cut journey times between Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and Newcastle.
The government is backing the idea of HS3 along with other proposals contained in Higgins’ latest report on the recommendations on the future of HS2, Rebalancing Britain: from HS2 towards a national transport strategy.
In it, he argues that HS2 should only be the first step in a strategy to drastically improve transport connections in the north. According to consultant KPMG, the north’s share of national GDP has declined by 5% in the last 10 years.
In a statement launching the report, Higgins said: “Improving connectivity is vital if Britain is to compete in the knowledge economy in which this country has a competitive advantage, but in which ease of travel is an essential element.
“Knowledge-based companies, whether they are in high-tech manufacturing, the creative industries, finance or the law, have to be close, or feel close to the talent, skills base, support network, knowledge pools, collaborators and clients necessary to create the ‘hot-house atmosphere’ in which they thrive. That is why reducing the journey times between and within our cities isn’t just desirable for both passengers and freight. It is a strategic necessity.”
HS2 and possible HS3 routes
The report endorses building both legs of HS2’s proposed Y-network – from Birmingham to Leeds and Manchester – at the same time.
It also suggests that local authorities in the five key northern cities mentioned above should join together to create a new body known as Transport for the North.
Richard Threlfall, KPMG’s UK head of infrastructure, building and construction commented: “HS2 is a critical investment to the rebalancing of our economic wealth. Today’s announcement reconfirms the case for a high speed rail network that connects our major cities, and takes us a step closer to creating a Northern Powerhouse.
“Over the last 10 years, according to ONS data, the north’s share of the UK’s economic output has fallen by more than 5%. This trend will continue unless we invest to share our country’s economic success beyond the south east.
“HS2 phase 2 recognises the dismal state of links between the heart of the UK and its northern cities today. The second phase, together with HS3 linking our northern city regions, should finally turn the tide and help the north regain its historic prominence in the UK economy.”
Meanwhile, ICE director general Nick Baveystock also gave the report his endorsement, saying: “This report tackles the perception that HS2 is a project being developed in isolation, and re-positions it as an integral part of a wider transport system which carries the potential to spread growth right across the country – this is a much-needed and welcome shift in the debate. Higgins’ aspiration to accelerate the delivery of HS2 is also positive news, as greater continuity between the two project phases could result in cost savings and would positively impact on the UK’s engineering skills base.
“We welcome the sentiment behind ‘HS3’ – enabling northern cities to achieve more through increased connectivity and capacity – and the creation of a joint body to drive this forward. ICE has continually urged government to ensure the locations and designs for HS2 stations are ‘future proofed’ to accommodate potential expansion such as this, and we look forward to seeing further detail in March.”
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