Network Rail wants to build high-speed rail lines from London to Scotland via Liverpool. Ben Schofield assesses the announcement
SUPERFAST trains will slash the journey time between Liverpool and London to just 83 minutes under new plans. City leaders toasted the news last night saying it would be a boon for businesses and tourism.
A passenger lobby group even said Liverpool could become part of the capital’s commuter belt – though others suggested bringing Londoners closer to the North West would help bridge the North-South divide.
The plans were revealed by Network Rail (NR), which owns most of the UK’s rail infrastructure.
But they fall short of having full government backing. Another report from the Department for Transport (DfT) company charged with delivering the high-speed service is due by the end of the year, which will give more detail on the plans.
Lobbyists and politicians last night vowed to pile on the pressure to ensure the Liverpool link goes ahead.
Leading the calls, Jack Stopforth, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, predicted the link could “transform the fortunes of the city and the wider region”.
He added: “The line would run roughly parallel to the current West Coast mainline, connecting people, places and jobs from the UK’s second largest economic region with major centres of activity both northwards and south. It would also expand choice and competition in the city region, catering to the needs of visitors, students, and business people alike.
“However, in order to realise the regeneration benefits of this link, the DfT and all relevant partners will need to ensure that construction plans reflect an early commitment to embedding the Liverpool chord within the longer-term framework for delivery. The Chamber will use all its influence to ensure that Liverpool is kept on the radar during this crucial planning phase.”
The fastest Virgin Train from Liverpool currently arrives in London’s Euston Station after just over two hours.
If NR’s plans go-ahead, that time will fall to 1hr 23mins – less than the time it currently takes to reach central London from some parts of the South East.
Building the new line will also benefit local rail users by freeing up the existing lines for more and faster provincial services.
NR yesterday published the results of an investigation into the need for new capacity on Britain’s railways.
It found that the UK requires a new 200mph line from London to Scotland, via the midlands and the North West. It claimed the £34bn cost of construction will be outweighed by generating almost £55bn in value.
NR said it hopes the entire project will be complete by 2030 and will be delivered in three, five-year phases.
