Leeds HS2 Tom Kelly Engagement Officer Arrival Sheffield Huddersfield Economy South Bank

The arrival of HS2 to Yorkshire is set to be a catalyst for regeneration, development and growth within the region, and yesterday the confidence within the delivery and region was boosted as HS2 reaffirmed the delivery would arrive on time, and on budget.

The major infrastructure project is set to arrive in both Sheffield and Leeds by 2033 but a recent announcement around a delay to the Phase 2 bill had some thinking there may be a delay. Tom Kelly, Director of Stakeholder Engagement, has now confirmed the project is still on course for the stated dates and the delay of the Phase 2 bill has been delayed to ensure that HS2 can link up with any potential cross-Pennine rail link which could also bring phenomenal opportunities for the North as it drives forward with the Northern Powerhouse agenda.
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Along with addressing questions around the bill he also discussed the issues which Brexit could have on the development. A potential skills shortage is one of the potential concerns across the whole of the construction and property industry but the focus on driving new workers through two training colleges in Doncaster and Birmingham will help counteract any issues and ensure that HS2 can fill high-skilled engineering roles and others needed across the industry. He said: ”We don’t see a problem at the moment but it’s something that we keep monitoring.”

There was also praise for Leeds, following the huge positivity felt at yesterdays West Yorkshire Economic Growth Conference. He said: ”If you look at the plans Leeds have got for the South Bank, it’s entirely built on being close to the station and using that to completely regenerate that side of the city. All I can say is I think Leeds have been very, very proactive in the way they have used HS2 not just to develop that South Bank area but the technology area that is going to be around our depot as well.”

 

The Yorkshire hubs – Leeds and Sheffield – will be a key focus of the HS2 Economic Growth Conference which is supported by HS2 Ltd and every regional hub and authority.

Tickets are available for the conference here.
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