Extended HS2 tunnel 'could create 7,000 jobs in East Midlands'

Date: 15/5/2013

A tunnel on the proposed High Speed 2 route between Birmingham and Leeds could be extended to ensure the project doesn't compromise a major development scheme next to East Midlands Airport.

Under existing plans, the HS2 line will run though a site which is currently being considered for the construction of a (SRFI) strategic rail freight interchange depot - a scheme that could create as many as 7,000 jobs.

But after Leicestershire County Council aired concerns that the HS2 route could threaten the development, Transport Secretary Partick McLoughlin said that extending a tunnel under the airport could minimise any disruption to the proposed SRFI site.

"These changes have the potential to deliver huge economic benefits for the East Midlands on top of the already considerable opportunities HS2 will bring the region," he explained.

"They also show that we are both maximising the economic impact of HS2 as well as listening to concerns of those affected by it."

And Kate Bedson, Senior Development Director at Roxhill - the developer hoping to build the SRFI - added that amendments to the planned HS2 line will serve to provide a further economic boost to the region.

"This now allows us to consult with the public and other bodies on our plans before submitting our application at the end of the year," she commented.

"Our proposals for a new SRFI with six million square feet of associated warehousing have the potential to create 7,000 jobs."

While the Government has developed a revised option to avoid the potential site of the SRFI, a public consultation on phase two of the High Speed plans will be launched later in the year.

Once that process has been completed, plans will be finalised and a decision made over the journey path of the HS2 route.

Posted by Sarah Bailey

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