The controversial High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project could provide the catalyst for a major regeneration of some of the poorest parts of London.

Plans for a new £10 billion development just north of Wormwood Scrubs have been unveiled and local consultation will start on Friday (June 28th), the London Evening Standard reports.

The "Canary Wharf of the railways" will provide a hub for the ambitious rail project and has the potential to create around 90,000 jobs. Some 19,000 homes will also be built as part of the plans.

Nicholas Botterill, leader of Hammersmith & Fulham borough, told the news provider: "HS2 will act as a catalyst to create much-needed new homes, jobs and opportunities in one of London’s poorest areas."

Not everybody is happy about the HS2 plans, though. A number of local councils have opposed the proposed multi-billion pound transport scheme on the grounds it will have a negative impact on the environment and will create noise pollution for thousands of residents along the route.

Concerns have also been raised about the cost of tickets, with some councillors suggesting that only the wealthy will be able to use the super-fast trains.