Date posted:
Thu 22 August 2019
The Government have, as of yesterday 21st of August, called a review into the viability of the High Speed Rail Network - connecting the Northern Powerhouse to the south. It calls into question the economic prosperity predicted by many that the connection will bring, and members of Liverpool's business community have had their say.
Paul Cherpeau, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said:
“It is disappointing that the Government has chosen to conduct a review into HS2 and whether it will continue with the project. It is clear that HS2 alongside Northern Powerhouse Rail, together with the right level of local investment, would bring unprecedented opportunities for people and businesses across the whole of the North of England.
“At Liverpool Chamber our business members tell us the current infrastructure is hampering them and that they need better access to markets, goods, and services.
“By delivering new, dedicated express routes between cities, HS2 will provide much-needed capacity to Britain’s rail network and free up space for local and freight services on existing lines. The delivery of other transformational schemes, including Northern Powerhouse Rail, rely on the connections that HS2 will make.
“HS2’s importance goes far beyond train services. Its anticipated completion is already attracting investors and will continue to attract investment to surrounding areas, rejuvenate local economies and create opportunities for businesses across the supply chain.”
Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, which represents the interests of 1,500 businesses in Liverpool city centre across two BID (Business Improvement District) areas - Retail and Leisure and Commercial District BID, and chair of the Liverpool Visitor Economy Network (LVEN), said:
"The indecisiveness on HS2 by this current Government knows no bounds. This latest announcement once again spreads doubt, uncertainty and frustration among business leaders in the north, particularly across Liverpool City Region who have had to shout louder than anyone to get the Government to listen to the strong and convincing case that HS2 without Liverpool is nothing short of lunacy. As I have said several times, for the north to become the economic powerhouse that it can, there has to be a continued investment into a solid connectivity plan for our city region - home to one of Europe’s most advanced container ports. Following the Transport Secretary’s disappointing announcement today, my real fear now is that come the end of the year Liverpool City Region will be left behind.”
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