The government has announced plans for a new railway line linking Birmingham and Manchester, though no construction timeline has been provided. This development comes after the cancellation of the second leg of the controversial High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s administration in October 2023, aimed at curbing costs.
Land secured for the HS2 extension between these cities will continue to be preserved as plans for the new line evolve. The proposed railway is expected to alleviate congestion on the West Coast Main Line, a vital north-south rail artery.
Officials clarified that this new line will not be a mere continuation or reinstatement of HS2. Instead, it is part of a broader transport strategy focusing on Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), which aims to enhance east-west rail connections across northern England. The Treasury has capped NPR funding at £45 billion, with potential for additional local funding through business rates and other sources.
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Initial development funding of £1.1 billion has been allocated for NPR to create a comprehensive delivery plan, including project timelines. The first phase, targeted for the 2030s, will improve existing routes between Sheffield, Leeds, York, and Bradford without significant new land acquisition.
Subsequent NPR phases will include a new line connecting Liverpool and Manchester via Manchester Airport and Warrington, combining existing and new tracks, as well as improved eastward links from Manchester to Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield, and York. Plans also include building a new station in Bradford and reopening the 21-mile Leamside Line in County Durham, closed since 1964, enhancing connections to Newcastle and North Wales.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the government’s commitment to delivering NPR as part of a broader Northern Growth Strategy, which aims to boost the region’s economy, housing, and investment opportunities. Chancellor Rachel Reeves highlighted the reversal of long-term underinvestment in northern England, stressing job creation and business growth as key priorities.
Local leaders welcomed the announcement. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham praised the government’s ambitious vision and expressed eagerness to advance plans for an underground station in Manchester city center. Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram called the announcement a long-overdue strategic shift towards supporting NPR fully.
However, opposition Conservatives criticized the government’s approach, accusing it of delaying and diluting NPR plans. Shadow rail minister Jerome Mayhew warned that under Labour, NPR risks becoming an indefinitely postponed project lacking clear scope or cost control.
As it stands, while the vision for enhanced rail connections between Birmingham and Manchester—and across northern England—is clear, the public awaits definitive timelines and detailed project plans.