HS2: Burnham and Street working with Arup on northern leg rescue plan

Mayor of West Midlands Andy Street (left) with Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham. Street said on X (formerly Twitter): ‘I’m not interested in what colour badge Andy Burnham wears. I’m interested in delivering for the West Midlands. Great to be working with him on the need for better connectivity between our two great regions.

Great Manchester’s Labour Mayor Andy Burnham and West Midlands’ Conservative Mayor Andy Street are now working with a group of private companies to develop an alternative plan for HS2. The mayors and the private sector group, led by engineering firm Arup, are drawing up a plan for transport links between Birmingham and Manchester.

The setting up of the group followed a pledge by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to work with Andy Street to enhance connectivity between Birmingham and Manchester.

Andy Street commented on X (formerly Twitter): “With HS2 Phase One & NPR going ahead, we’ve been left with a section in the middle between the West Midlands & Greater Manchester that needs addressing. So our private sector group is looking at: Engineering upgrades; Targeted bypasses at pinch points; A new line; and the role of private finance.”

The group aims to complete the first stage of the work by March, with the final report due to be sent to the Government in the summer.