Following the government’s decision that construction of the HS2 high-speed rail link will go ahead, Manchester Airport Group (MAG) has issued a response.
MAG supported the move to progress with the project, and urged the government to act quickly to deliver both HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail running East-West and proposed the airport’s train station as a hub for the network.
In a statement, MAG said:
Delivering an integrated High Speed North rail network will fast-track the rebalancing of the economy. The station at Manchester Airport, acting as a hub for the new network, will ensure millions more people across the North and the Midlands have access to high speed rail services and international markets.
“MAG welcomes the Government’s decision today. Planned correctly, HS2 together with High Speed North will provide an integrated high speed rail network direct from Manchester Airport to Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Hull and the North East, and unleash the full potential of the Northern economy.
“The sooner High Speed North can be delivered, the better. Starting on its delivery quickly would mean that the North, as well as the South, benefits from new rail connections and capacity as soon as possible.”
While a decision was made on construction of HS2 from London to Crewe, the route to Manchester Airport and Manchester, and from Birmingham to Leeds is under review to identify cost savings. MAG also operate East Midlands Airport, near to the proposed HS2 station serving Derby and Nottingham.
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