Engineering news
A tunnel on the proposed route of the High Speed 2 rail network could be extended to enable plans for a major development next to East Midlands Airport to progress, the transport secretary announced today.
During discussions with MPs and local authorities on the proposed route for phase two of HS2 from Birmingham to Leeds, concerns were raised by Leicestershire County Council, and MP for North West Leicestershire Andrew Bridgen, in conjunction with Roxhill Developments Limited, that the proposed line could affect plans for a strategic rail freight interchange depot (SRFI) next to the airport.
The initial preferred route would have seen the new rail line cross the site of the proposed SRFI, which has the potential to create 7,000 jobs in the region, and threaten the feasibility of the proposed development.
After listening to these concerns, the government has now developed a revised option which involves extending the proposed tunnel under the East Midlands Airport which would avoid the majority of the proposed SRFI site.
The Department for Transport will consult on the route later in the year as part of its public consultation on phase two. Following the consultation a decision will be made. In the meantime, the developer will progress its plans for the proposed depot.
Transport secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, said: “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.”
Kate Bedson, senior development director at Roxhill said: “Our proposals for a new SRFI with 6 million square feet of associated warehousing have the potential to create 7,000 jobs, providing a boost to the economy in the region.”