A public consultation to deliver stronger links between HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail has been launched by the Department for Transport.

The HS2 Phase 2b Western Leg Design Refinement Consultation will be seeking views on a number of proposed design changes to HS2’s Western Leg, between Crewe and Manchester. This will form a key part of the development of the Western Leg parliamentary bill. 

Also proposed is the construction of a new HS2 rolling stock depot in Annandale, Scotland, which would create up to 100 jobs in the area.

This follows on from the recommendations from the Oakervee Review to deliver HS2 in smaller sections and bring the project with other schemes into an Integrated Rail Plan, with the aim of improving capacity and connectivity across the North and Midlands.

This consultation, which closes at 11:45pm on 11th December 2020, is seeking views on 4 proposed refinements to the design of the Western Leg of HS2 Phase 2b.

The proposed refinements are:

• the addition of Crewe Northern Connection and changes to the design of Crewe North Rolling Stock Depot;
• changes to the design of Manchester Airport High Speed station;
• changes to the design around Manchester Piccadilly High Speed station; and
• the introduction of a new train stabling facility at Annandale, in Dumfries and Galloway.

These proposals are based on design development, ongoing engagement, and future integration with Northern Powerhouse Rail and other transport projects.

The consultation asks for views, based on the information included in the consultation documents below. Responses to the consultation will be independently analysed and reported, and then considered by the Secretary of State when making his decision on whether to adopt the proposed changes.

More information and to find out how to respond, click here.