A new report has been released which highlights the huge benefit HS2 could have on job creation in the Leeds City Region. The report shows an additional 41,000 jobs could be created across West Yorkshire and its surrounding districts over the next three decades in what could be a huge boost to the regions economic growth. The new report suggests both civic and business leaders need to take full advantage and The Leeds City Region HS2 Growth Strategy sets out how the area could be rejuvenated.

We heard at the West Yorkshire Economic Growth Conference the positive discussions by senior figures on the ‘once in a generation’ opportunity and with a strategy in place the benefits of the improved transport links, which will cut journey times to London from Leeds to just 81 minutes, the economy could be accelerated and transformed.

The transformation of Leeds Station will benefit the likes of Bradford, Halifax, Wakefield, Huddersfield and York – with new infrastructure, business parks, housing and more both being built and improved. The report sets out plans to make the region an international centre of excellence in light and high speed rail skills, and also showcases a proposal to create a high speed rail engineering base and technology park to be developed by the University of Leeds. They’ll be attending the Yorkshire Universities Development Plans conference next month and will be able to update delegates around their development plans.

The new high speed rail is expected to make the region more appealing to inward investment from the rest of the UK and internationally. The report suggests further feasibility work should be carried out to determine how much financial investment and support will be needed to implement plans, and West Yorkshire has been praised for being one of the first to fully seize on the opportunities.

Keith Wakefield, West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee chair, said the strategy set out in the report will ‘ensure we maxime the benefits for all of our communities’ whilst adding it ‘will unlock new business opportunities, create high-skilled jobs, spur regenerations and attract investment.

An engagement exercise in now set to be carried out which will close on the 2nd March. The collapse of Carillion is likely to have an effect on the HS2 project – but the government have confirmed their ongoing commitment to high-speed rail.

Keep an eye out for out next Economic Growth Conference in Yorkshire where the £54bn calculated in the Leeds City Region HS2 Growth Strategy is likely to be discussed in more detail.