UK: Bid to bring high speed rail HQ to Birmingham

[John Ashworth]

Bid to bring high speed rail HQ to Birmingham

Oct 8 2009 by Jonathan Walker, Birmingham Post

City council leader Mick Whitby launched a bid to make Birmingham the national headquarters of high-speed rail, at a high-profile event during the Conservatiuve Party conference.

Shadow Transport Minister Stephen Hammond heard Coun Whitby launch the proposal, which could create hundreds of jobs in the city.

Birmingham is bidding to become the national home of high-speed rail, providing engineering and valet services to the planned new line.

The proposal would create hundreds of jobs in the West Midlands.

Both Labour and the Conservatives have set out plans for new rail services reaching up to 225mph. The Tories want to build an initial line from London to Birmingham and on to Manchester and Leeds.

Labour’s plans are initially for a London-to-Birmingham route, which Ministers say would be extended later.

The trains would need regular servicing and maintenance, which Coun Whitby hopes will take place in Birmingham.

Speaking at a fringe event during the Conservative conference in Manchester attended by Mr Hammond and business and council leaders from the West Midlands, he said: “We are calling for Birmingham to be the national centre for the high-speed rail’s servicing needs.

“This will build on the engineering capacity and the legacy of the intellect we have in the West Midlands.”

He highlighted plans for an engineering academy on Aston Science Park to teach 14-to-19-year-olds, backed by the city council and Aston University.

The Tories announced earlier this week that the academy will be the model for 12 new technical colleges to be opened across the country.

Coun Whitby stressed that high-speed rail would benefit the entire UK economy.

He said: “We are so pleased that the Conservatives have recognised the importance of high speed – time is money, and bringing London and Birmingham together is essential.

“We will add another arrow to the quiver of the competitive nature of the United Kingdom through this.”

Mr Hammond said: “I share your passion for high-speed rail but I also share your passion for the West Midlands region.

“Let me just reaffirm that the Conservative Party is absolutely committed to building high-speed rail, and if we are fortunate enough to be in government this time next year we will already have started the process that will enable high-speed rail to be built.”