New research shows that HS2 will boost the economy of the West Midlands by £10 billion over the next ten years.
HS2 has three hubs in the region – Curzon Street Station in central Birmingham, Interchange Station in Solihull, and a depot and Network Integrated Control Centre at Washwood Heath.
Over the last six years, these have provided dramatic increases in regeneration and investment.
Curzon Street, HS2's station in central Birmingham, will provide excellent connectivity to Eastside and Digbeth and enable wider regeneration through linking together the learning and creative quarters, and new residential developments.
The station will have a seamless connection to buses and the Midland Metro, which runs next to and under the station. Plans for the station area include new public spaces, two squares, and a promenade.
HS2's Interchange Station site at Solihull is one of the UK's most significant regeneration opportunities, with links to Birmingham International railway station, the NEC and Birmingham Airport.
The 140-hectare site will provide the basis for tens of thousands of jobs, and many thousands of new homes, as well as commercial and leisure opportunities and new public green spaces.
Washwood Heath Depot will be the nerve centre of HS2, with a depot for servicing and stabling of HS2 trains and a Network Integrated Control Centre to oversee the operation of the railway that has provided the impetus to develop a 50-acre brownfield site with the potential for 240,000 square metres of land for commercial use and 700,000 square metres of logistics space.
Sir Jon Thompson, Executive Chair at HS2 Ltd said: “This new research provides evidence that HS2's future arrival is already driving transformational regeneration and investment in the West Midlands. It shows that investor appetite, regeneration and investment close to where we're building our three key assets in the region has surged in the last six years.
“Driven by the promise of enhanced connectivity and heightened investor confidence, HS2's arrival is spreading prosperity and opportunity to the communities it touches for generations to come.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “This research demonstrates that HS2 has delivered substantial investment and development opportunities in our region in recent years.
“Whether it's urban regeneration, improved local transport connections, increased housing provision and of course new jobs, HS2 is benefitting local people, businesses and our wider economy.
“It's vital that local people see the tangible benefits of major schemes like this.”
Steven Knight CBE said: “As a proud Brummie, it's brilliant to see that the tide is turning in Digbeth, with creative businesses, animators, agencies and filmmakers creating a community and drawing investment and talent out of London.
“The upcoming arrival of HS2, and the transformational connectivity it will bring has no doubt accelerated this renaissance. I can't think of anywhere in the world I'd prefer to set up Digbeth Loc. Studios.
“I look forward to creating world-class films and television here, working alongside local crews and telling our stories to the world. With plans underway for thousands of new homes, tram extensions, better leisure facilities, the best is yet to come.”
Maggie Grogan, Managing Director – Midlands at Muse Developments said: “By leveraging the unrivalled connectivity at the heart of Arden Cross, we can target economic growth across the region and the UK. We can support local communities but also reach national and international markets.
“Arden Cross is fundamental to the economic strategy of the West Midlands as it builds on the infrastructure and investment opportunities brought by HS2. Its delivery will underpin the success of the region for generations to come.”
Carl Potter, Project Director at Arden Cross Limited said: “The regeneration of Arden Cross, facilitated by links to the HS2 Interchange Station, will deliver a perfect microclimate for investment, innovation and growth.
“Whether it's attracting global businesses, building new communities, creating unrivalled employment opportunities, or supporting world-class research and development, Arden Cross will have a transformative impact.”
What about a seamless connection to Birmingham New Street station? Much as I like trams, it would seem like a pain to me to have to get off HS2 at Curzon Street, go outside and get on a tram to New Street in order to continue my journey in another direction.
£10billion “boost” in the economy – at a cost of over £45billion plus the detrimental effect to the economy, lives and environment along the route.
I fail to see how that can be considered a boost. It means the West Midlands will just about get their money back – whilst the rest of us around the country get nothing.
Exactly so! Nothing in it for us west of Bristol.