PLANS TO EXTEND THE HS2 NETWORK TO MANCHESTER MOVE FORWARD

The submission of Additional Provision 2 (AP2) is an important milestone in the parliamentary process. It keeps HS2 on track to open the Crewe – Manchester extension between 2035 and 2041, ensuring zero-carbon rail services extend to Manchester’s two new dedicated HS2 stations at Manchester Airport and Piccadilly.

HS2’s construction is currently supporting more than 28,500 jobs and over 3,000 UK-based businesses, including 190 in the Northwest, have already won work supplying materials, products and services.

The High-Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill, which seeks powers to extend and operate the new high-speed network to Manchester, was submitted to Parliament in January 2022. The first set of proposed changes to the Bill, known as Additional Provision 1 (AP1), was introduced six months later.

Changes to hybrid bills aren’t uncommon and reflect the ongoing work that HS2 Ltd undertakes to ensure it builds the best railway in the best way. This includes developing the design for the railway, acting on new information, and assessing feedback from individuals and communities affected by the construction proposals.

One year on from the submission of AP1, communities are now invited to view the latest set of proposed changes and have their say on the supporting documentation through public consultation.

The public consultation focuses on two key documents which outline any new, different or removed significant environmental effects resulting from the proposed changes. The consultation opens at 09:00 on 4 July and closes 11:45 on 31 August 2023. Supporting documentation and information about the consultation can be found at www.hs2.org.uk/crewe-manchester