Member Article

HS2 bosses encourage regions to use project as regeneration catalyst

Members of the Government’s HS2 Growth Taskforce have called on cities and LEPs to use the project to “supercharge” their regions by creating world-leading transport links and kick-starting urban regeneration.

The calls feature in a newly published report from the body, which is lead by businesspeople, politicians and trade union officials.

‘HS2: Get Ready’ suggests new local bodies will need to be created to tailor growth plans for cities along the route, and ensure HS2 contracts lead to local job creation, skills development and apprenticeships.

The group says a ‘business as usual’ approach to the project will not cut it and likens the scale of HS2’s potential impact to that of the Channel Tunnel.

Sir Howard Bernstein, CEO Manchester City Council and Deputy Chair of the Taskforce, said: “HS2 is not just a railway. It is the opportunity to re-balance Britain and kick-start regeneration in my city and others across the Midlands and the north of England. It is imperative that we work together to do all we possibly can to get the country ready.”

Nicola Walker, CBI director for Business Environment, added: “Lord Deighton’s taskforce rightly challenges local areas to get their HS2 growth strategies in place. It is essential these plans complement and enhance other local initiatives, such as the Local Enterprise Partnerships’ Strategic Economic Plans and Local Authorities’ development plans.

“A highly skilled workforce will be critical to delivering HS2 and we welcome the taskforce’s call to put in place measures to make this a priority.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .