HS2
HS2 – why regional connections are key
Alistair Gordon calls for a focus on greater connectivity between stops on the HS2 route and their surrounding locations
P
lanning for the future was a hallmark of our Victorian ancestors. One good example is London’s sewer system that they deliberately made much larger than required at the time, which is why it is only now that the Thames Tideway Tunnel is being looked at. Our railway network is another example of a Victorian grand projet, which has remained largely free of any major overhaul since the early 1900’s. Like the capital’s sewers, the UK’s rail system is creaking at full capacity. For those championing High Speed 2, the supporting narrative was until recently narrowly focused on the less important issue of speed rather than capacity or its potential impact on our other major cities – including those without a stop on the route. At the heart of the case for or against HS2 is economics, and the fact is that a
significant cut in journey times delivers only a fraction of the benefits brought by greater capacity and better-connected towns and cities.
Talking heads
HS2 will signal the beginning of a new era for railways in this country and it will bring our network closer to parity with many of our peers internationally, as well as in emerging nations, who have long-established cross country high speed routes.
The new route does not stop and start with the construction of a new line, stations and delivery of new trains. There will be significant changes and additional investments needed over the next generation to ensure that, once completed, it can truly become the catalyst for economic transformation. It was for these reasons that we invited a variety of contributors to share their
views on how best to deliver what is the most important infrastructure project in the UK for well over 100 years in our Key Connections report. Our aim was to collate a comprehensive view of the considerations which those delivering the project, those governing policy, and those running the cities on the line of route, should reflect on between now and completion.
The contributors – who include co- chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on High Speed Rail, Stuart Andrew MP and leader of Birmingham City Council, Sir Albert Bore – each provided a differing perspective on how HS2 should be delivered, although there were some key themes common to all.
Getting connected
Greater connectivity and integration were issues which united all of our contributors. This includes better links
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