Birmingham’s Local-Motive

The benefits of HS2 have been well versed by politicians, business leaders and the scheme’s supporters. The majority of these benefits relate to the economic potential of the scheme.

It has been variously asserted that HS2 will be an ‘engine of growth’ (George Osborne), a ‘catalyst for fundamental change’ (Sir David Higgins) and have ‘economic transformational potential’ (Danny Alexander). If these benefits are to be achieved, they will not result from HS2 alone, but in combination with local initiatives.

Birmingham recognises this fact and preparations for HS2 are well underway. In July 2014, the City Council published the Curzon HS2 Masterplan, a visionary planning document detailing the proposed regeneration of the area around the central HS2 terminus in the city, with over 14,000 new jobs expected in the area. Similarly, there are big plans for UK Central, the development area to the east of the city, centred on the NEC and Birmingham Airport, which will exploit demand generated by the HS2 Birmingham Interchange station. Even without HS2, the city centre is also being transformed: the new Library of Birmingham recently opened in Centenary Square, and the proposed mixed-use developments of Paradise Circus and Arena Central nearby will involve millions of pounds of investment and are expected to create thousands of jobs.

Key to capitalising on the benefits of both HS2 and significant economic developments are local transport links. At Steer Davies Gleave, we have been supporting organisations across the West Midlands to develop the transport networks needed by the economically thriving region. At a local level, our work has helped Centro to secure provisional funding for three extensions to Midland Metro, and a further two are currently being assessed which will connect directly to the two West Midlands HS2 stations.

The arrival of HS2 is providing impetus for joined-up planning at the regional level, through a new partnership initiative - Midlands Connect. This brings together Local Enterprise Partnerships, councils and bodies including Network Rail and the Highways Agency, in order to identify future transport investment that will maximise economic growth. We have been involved in the initial economic study for Midlands Connect, and are helping the region to develop its ambitions for rail devolution, which will provide local leaders with more autonomy to shape the development of services and growth in the network for the benefit of passengers.

Birmingham is being transformed, both economically and by developing its transport network. Lasting economic growth cannot, however, be achieved through a single rail line. HS2 provides an an exciting catalyst for growth that can further build on the transformational changes occurring for the economic and transportation regeneration for Birmingham and its hinterland. This opportunity is one which is being fully grasped and expanded on by organisations across the region.