Andy Burnham has expressed his support for the potential return of HS2 to the north west, specifically to High Legh. The reports suggest that Sir Keir Starmer is considering re-introducing ‘phase 2a’ of the high-speed railway, which was previously cancelled by Rishi Sunak last year in Manchester. This section of the line would run from Birmingham to Crewe.
Although the LBC Radio report does not indicate that HS2 would extend to Manchester, it does mention that it would not be funded by taxpayers and instead would be handed over to a private sector consortium. This aligns with the proposals put forward by Mr. Burnham and former West Midlands mayor Andy Street for a privately funded line from Lichfield to High Legh, connecting Birmingham and Manchester.
During an interview on BBC Radio Manchester, Mr. Burnham emphasized the importance of a new line between the two cities running through Crewe. He also suggested the possibility of connecting it to his proposed Liverpool-Manchester railway line, which is currently facing uncertainty due to funding issues.
In order to realize his vision of the Liverpool-Manchester line, Mr. Burnham highlighted the need for a new underground Piccadilly station. He believes that combining this with phase 2a of HS2 could potentially offer a better solution than the original HS2 plan. According to him, the Piccadilly station should be built as an east-west underground station, which would be more efficient in the long run compared to a surface station.
Mr. Burnham’s support for bringing HS2 back to High Legh reflects his commitment to improving connectivity between cities in the north west. By integrating new infrastructure projects like the Liverpool-Manchester line and an underground Piccadilly station, he aims to create a more efficient and interconnected transportation network for the region. This holistic approach to transportation planning demonstrates his forward-thinking mindset and dedication to enhancing the quality of life for residents in Greater Manchester.