HS2 go-ahead 'critical' to Chesterfield's future

The high-speed rail route linking London to Birmingham, and then on to Manchester and Leeds, was given the go-ahead today.

Chesterfield is expected to be served by a spur from the main HS2 route and a train maintenance depot could be located near Staveley.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of the council, said: “This is great news for Chesterfield. HS2 is a once in a generation opportunity for the town and borough.

“The new high-speed train line will have a transformative effect on our economy, with the prospect of 10,200 new jobs, 4,700 new homes and an annual uplift of £270 million in expenditure on local goods and services.

“HS2 will afford the one million people that currently live within 30 minutes’ drive of Chesterfield railway station improved rail connectivity to the north and south and establish Chesterfield as the international gateway to the world-famous Peak District national park.

“Chesterfield is ready for HS2. We are currently finalising the HS2 Chesterfield Station Masterplan ahead of a public consultation exercise this summer and have been making the case for the new HS2 line maintenance depot, which will bring hundreds of new high-quality engineering jobs to Staveley, to also be used as a base for construction of the new line.”

Today’s announcement comes on the back of Talgo’s recent decision to establish its UK Headquarters at Barrow Hill Roundhouse. The Spanish train manufacturer has also confirmed its commitment to develop a rail innovation and training centre in Chesterfield.

Whilst the government has given the go ahead to the construction of the whole line, the announcement also references an intention to carry out a further review of the second phase of HS2, which includes the eastern leg from Birmingham to Leeds.

Coun Gilby added: “It is critical that the delivery schedule for HS2 Phase 2b is not delayed further and there must be no downgrading of the line through the East Midlands to reduce costs.”.