Businesses welcomed the decision to press ahead with a new high speed rail line as “a fantastic day for the West Midlands” - but warned the Government must speed up plans to get the line built.
Ministers plan to introduce legislation to the House of Commons authorising the construction of the London to Birmingham section of the line, known as a hybrid bill, towards the end of 2013.
But Birmingham Chamber of Commerce warned that any delay could put the project, known as “high speed two” or HS2, in danger.
Jerry Blackett, the Chamber’s chief executive, said: “This is a fantastic day for the West Midlands. However, the imperative is to press ahead with all speed because delay will simply stall the impetus that today’s announcement has given.
“The transport secretary Justine Greening has indicated that it could be another two years before Parliament even votes on the proposition. This must not been allowed to happen. Delay would be damaging for the project and it would push it into the heart of an election campaign.”
John Rider, chairman of the Institute of Directors in the West Midlands, also urged the Government to avoid delays.
He said: “I offer a fulsome welcome for the Government’s decision. HS2 is vital for the region. It will create jobs, sustain economic growth and boost business confidence.
“Now we must get on with it, ensuring that the Nimbys don’t force delays and extra cost.”
Employers hailed the announcement as great news for the economy of Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Paul Kehoe, chief executive of Birmingham Airport, said: “Birmingham Airport station will be the hub of the High Speed network – placing Birmingham Airport less than an hour from the great majority of the UK population.”
And Paul Thandi, CEO of the NEC Group, said: “High speed rail is of great significance to not only our business, but the West Midlands and the UK’s future economy - undoubtedly helping with the economic recovery over the next decade - so we wholeheartedly support this decision.”
Andy Street, chairman of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “HS2 will result in considerable benefits for our LEP area, and will compliment our strategy for jobs and growth, and strengthen our position nationally and internationally.”
He said it was essential that the line was connected to Eurostar services to the Continent, something the Government has promised will happen.
Henry Bellfield, director of property developers Barberry Developments, said: “HS2’s main objective is to address the capacity issue on the West Coast Mainline, as I see it, that is why it’s absolutely essential.”
