Audlem's local station – HS2 Update

Artist Impression of Nantwich Road

Cheshire East Council welcomes commitment to HS2 western leg

editor's note:- this is an extract from the full press release – to read full article, please click:- https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/council_information/media_hub/media_releases/cheshire-east-council-welcomes-royal-assent-for-hs2-phase-2a.aspx

Cheshire East Council has welcomed the commitment to extend HS2 from Crewe to Manchester following the publication of the government's Integrated Rail Plan.

The long-awaited report outlines the government's intention to progress the western leg of HS2 Phase 2b (Crewe to Manchester) and its support for our shared vision for a Crewe hub station that can accommodate between five to seven HS2 trains per hour.

This reaffirms Crewe as a strategically important location and gives Cheshire East Council further confidence to push ahead with refreshing its plans for central Crewe – from the area around the station to the town centre – and supports the ongoing regeneration plans and aspirations for the wider borough.

The plan also sets out government's intentions for rail investment across the north and key decisions on the eastern leg of HS2 Phase 2b and Northern Powerhouse Rail.

The plan's publication comes as the council awaits further news on the competition to find a national headquarters for a new public body Great British Railways, after it was announced by government last month.

In February, HS2 Phase 2a was granted Royal Assent – another key milestone in securing long-term HS2 benefits for Crewe in the build up to when the high-speed train services begin.

Work is also ongoing on the Royal Arcade scheme and on a major package of active travel and road improvements in North West Crewe.