HS2 delays are 'deeply frustrating' for 'many' local businesses, an expert said after it was revealed the high-speed line may not begin operating until at least 2036. Lyle Bignon, Birmingham's night time economy ambassador, called for 'stronger protection' and 'support' for businesses affected by disruption - and especially those feeling the effects of years of road closures, noise disruption and restricted pedestrian access.
HS2 Cost and Timeline Updates
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander this week revealed the rail project would now cost up to £102.7bn and services will not start for a decade at least. She said HS2 would cost between £87.7bn and £102.7bn - up from the estimated £32bn, or around £49bn with inflation, in 2011, which included the cost of the now-cancelled Manchester and Leeds legs. Trains are not expected to be running from Birmingham Curzon Street to Old Oak Common in west London until between 2036 and 2039. Services to Euston are not expected to begin until at least 2040. Ms Alexander also said the trains would be slower than previously promised, running at a maximum of 320 km/h (200mph), down from a previous maximum of 360 km/h (225 mph).
Impact on Birmingham's Night-Time Economy
Mr Bignon said delays to the rail line opening 'will be deeply frustrating for many small businesses and suppliers already affected by years of disruption and uncertainty'. He said the construction of HS2 had already had a huge impact on businesses, with pubs such as Eagle & Tun and The Woodman closing, before the latter reopened. 'The impact of HS2 has been felt keenly by venues and businesses across Coventry, Bordesley, Meriden/New Canal, and Fazeley Streets, as well as Shaw's Passage,' he said. 'Many night-time economy businesses in the area have faced years of road closures, restricted pedestrian access, noise disruption, reduced visibility and continued uncertainty around future development. Areas that should have become gateways into Birmingham's cultural economy have instead experienced long-term construction disruption, compounded by compulsory purchase activity and significant land acquisition. This has coincided with one of the most difficult periods in recent history for nightlife and hospitality nationally.'
Mr Bignon added: 'Infrastructure investment must not come at the expense of the independent ecosystems that give cities their identity. Birmingham's night-time economy deserves stronger protection, mitigation and support throughout the remainder of the HS2 construction period.'
HS2 Chief Responds
Mark Wild, chief executive of HS2, said he 'shared' people's disappointment that it would take longer and cost more to bring HS2 into service. 'Resetting HS2 was the only way to regain control of the project,' he said. 'We have turned a corner in the last 12 months with significantly improved levels of productivity, helping us to deliver major milestones ahead of schedule. We're also progressing with plans to bring HS2 into line with other high-speed railways in Europe - further reducing the project's complexity without compromising on benefits. Better journeys, more capacity on the network, and economic growth are all vital to the country's future prosperity, and that's exactly what we will deliver. Driven by the hard work of 31,000 people on the ground, HS2 is finally getting back on track.'
