Sheffield set for summit on HS2 station location

Sheffield is set to play host to a debate regarding the proposed relocation of Meadowhall HS2 station to the city centre.

Organised by Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, ‘Making the case for Sheffield City Centre HS2 station: the role of business’ will aim to underline the city centre station’s importance to the business community.

The meeting will take place on February 18 at Sheffield City Hall, and feature a number of key speakers, as well as a Q&A session.

Richard Wright, Sheffield Chamber executive director, said: “There are a number of very important decisions being made this year that will have enormous implications to the future economy of the region. First among these is the location of the HS2 station.

“The current options are a parkway type station at Meadowhall, or a city centre location on the site of the old Victoria station. The final decision still has to be made.

“As an independent economic organisation Sheffield Chamber has concluded the Victoria location will be the best option because it delivers the best economic return for the region and causes less disruption to business and housing because the route follows existing train lines.

“We believe it is also by far the best strategic fit when the objectives of HS3 and the Northern Powerhouse are considered. Transport for the North is clearly committed to city to city connectivity and the Victoria location delivers that.”

In June 2015, it was revealed thatSheffield City Council had spent around £190k in the case for a city centre location for HS2. The council insisted that a station in the city centre would experience greater financial benefits and create around 6,500 jobs.

Peter Kennan, chair of Sheffield Chamber transport forum, added: “Studies point to an overwhelming economic case for a Sheffield city centre station, creating many more jobs and having huge regeneration potential. The Meadowhall site is constrained by geography, topography and geology and cannot deliver that.

“Potential HS2 ticket revenue is predominantly in south and west Sheffield plus the city centre where the professional services sector is located. Meadowhall is an inappropriate site to serve the key passenger markets, as a result.”

Richard added: “Making the right decision is critical to the business community so we want to lay out the facts to you as clearly as possible. The seminar is designed to do that and we would urge you to come and hear for yourself.

“We want the strength and confidence that your backing will give us as we continue to lobby with Government for the right decision for the city and Sheffield city region.”