Councillor James Lewis, the Leader of Leeds City Council, expressed his disappointment regarding the government’s decision to cancel HS2 and cautiously welcomed the recent announcements about investment in our transportation infrastructure. This cautious welcome stems from the fact that previous commitments to mass transit and Northern Powerhouse Rail have been made repeatedly in the past.
We are eager to collaborate with the government to gain a comprehensive understanding of the specifics behind these announcements. We are interested in knowing how and when these plans will come to fruition, what broader consequences they will have, and whether they genuinely represent a meaningful increase in investment for our city and region.
While we appreciate the news of the electrification and enhancement of the Sheffield-Leeds line for the benefits it will bring to our two cities and neighbouring communities, we also require upgrades to the East Coast Main Line to enhance the service to London, as this will be our primary rail link.
Additionally, we are concerned that there is no mention of a new railway station in Leeds, which has been a crucial aspect of our discussions with the government regarding the transformation of local and regional rail connectivity.
Leeds serves as a pivotal hub in the UK’s rail network, with a threefold increase in usage over the last 25 years, and post-pandemic demand surpassing the national average. At this rate, our current station will reach its capacity within the next decade. Failure to invest in a new station, as originally proposed for HS2, adjacent to the existing one, will impede regional and national economic growth. We remain steadfast in our commitment to advocate for this cause with the government.
Simultaneously, we will urge the government to promptly address concerns related to previously safeguarded land that is no longer required for future rail expansion, providing much-needed certainty for businesses and residents.
Leeds has experienced unprecedented levels of investment, aligning with the government’s HS2 proposals, and our city’s confidence is at an all-time high. By removing safeguarding restrictions, we can further advance our economic growth and recovery aspirations.