Cheshire East Council welcomes Royal Assent for HS2 Phase 2a

11 February 2021

Cheshire East Council has welcomed a significant milestone in bringing HS2 to Crewe.

The HS2 Phase 2a Hybrid Bill has today been granted Royal Assent, which makes it law and gives the go ahead for the next part of the HS2 railway network to be built between Birmingham and Crewe (known as Phase 2a).

Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “This is a hugely important milestone and brings with it the powers and government commitment to bring high speed rail to Crewe and move to the construction phase.

“HS2 is a strategically important project and will drive increased business confidence to invest in Crewe.

“This will create opportunities to not only enhance the town of Crewe, but also the wider borough through the jobs, services and improved opportunities it can provide.”

The Bill’s passing comes as the council pushes forward with multiple projects to transform Crewe and the wider area and ensure it is ready for HS2’s arrival, including its proposals for Crewe Hub Station.

Cllr Browne added: “Working with our strategic partners we are developing ambitious plans for Crewe and the wider borough and will continue to press the government to ensure the vision is delivered.
 
“We are also continuing to progress key projects – the North West Crewe Package will start this spring to improve the local road network around Leighton Hospital, while plans for the dualling of the A500 up to Junction 16 are also well underway.
 
“In addition, we will continue to work with HS2 Ltd on mitigation for those negatively affected by the HS2 scheme.”

Councillor Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: “We are committed to supporting our local economy to bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic and to maximise the significant benefits the HS2 scheme will bring.

“Together with our partners we are working hard to bring forward further investment to Crewe through opportunities including the government’s Future High Streets Fund and Towns Fund, which if successful will allow us to deliver a variety of capital projects.
 
“This is in addition to the major projects already realised in the town and the exciting new offers that 2021 will see, including the reopening of Crewe Market Hall with a fantastic mix of new traders and progression of our plans to redevelop the Royal Arcade site – the demolition of which is almost complete.”