High Speed Rail Group calls for "Euston-Crewe core" in "affordable, realistic" HS2 plan

The High Speed Rail Group (HSRG) has called for a new, affordable and realistic plan for HS2 ahead of the Government’s Spending Review.

The industry body has made six recommendations in its submission to the Treasury to help get the project “back on track”.

HSRG’s recommendations include re-scoping HS2 to a “Euston-Crewe core”, “un-freeze” the planned West Midlands-Crewe connection, and fund and deliver a scaled-back, cost-effective Euston station.

Dyan Perry, Chair of HSRG said the project was at a “crossroads”.

“If delivered correctly, it will unlock national transport capacity, generate a multi-billion pound return to the Treasury, drive economic growth across the UK and enhance regional connectivity,” he said.

“However, if cut short, the Government risks wasting substantial investments to date, short-changing the national account and squandering HS2’s far reaching socio-economic benefits.”

Explaining the recommendations to restore HS2 to Crewe, HSRG said it would drive the Government’s economic growth ambitions and provide much-needed additional capacity.

The group said that freezing the planned connection between the West Midlands and Crewe would not relieve pressure on the West Coast Main Line at its biggest pinch-point, and could be delivered at a much lower cost per mile than the original Phase 2a scheme.

HSRG is advocating for a six-platform HS2 station at Euston, with the option for future expansion.

Its other three recommendations include the Government exploring financial payback options for infrastructure investment, learning from the HS1 concession model. HSRG estimated a concession let for the Euston-Crewe route would generate £7.5-£10 billion.

To make the Crewe plan work, HSRG wants the Government to extend the safeguarding and complete outstanding land acquisition up to Crewe, and for it to develop a long-term vision for the whole rail network to help ensure potential HS2 extensions can be accommodated without excessive disruption.

Perry added: “To secure the long-term advantages of a modern, high speed rail network, we strongly urge the Government to adopt our recommendations and take decisive action to restore financial control and accelerate delivery. By investing in our infrastructure now, we set the UK up for long term growth and economic success.”

Last week, HS2 Ltd and the Department for Transport were strongly criticised by MPs in the Public Accounts Committee, who said the two organisations “failed to work together effectively”.

HS2 Ltd’s Chief Executive, Mark Wild, is currently reviewing the project as part of a reset. HSRG said it acknowledges and supports the need for HS2 Ltd to reset the programme.