Local community residents and businesses are being urged to get involved in a new transport strategy consultation – with the strategy designed to boost the local economy over the next 20 years. Over the course of the next 12 weeks Cheshire and Warring LEP will be consulting those on its draft Transport Strategy, which sets out how transport provision within the region should develop to help create a £50bn a year economy by 2040.

One thing highlighted frequently within the plan is HS2 and the huge opportunities this could unlock to the wider economy – and it’ll be forming part of our HS2 Economic Growth Conference supported by HS2 Ltd later this year where representatives from Cheshire and Warrington will form part of discusses and panels.

The LEP has worked closely to collaborate with local councils from Cheshire East, Cheshire West, Chester and Warrington which has helped them identify the priorities to focus on to make sure that growth is unlocked.

One of those primary focuses would be around connectivity – with Cheshire and Warrington already well connected as they sit in the heart of the strategic road network, whilst from a rail point of view they’re well placed in relation to the rail network with a number of key train hubs in the region including Chester, Warrington and Crewe with access to the West Coast Mainline which serves London and Scotland. With international travel easily possible through the Port of Liverpool and airports at Manchester and Liverpool the region has a fantastic starting point for the main towns and cities.

The connectivity however does vary in the sub-regions and the focus will be to improve access to these and enhance the networks to reduce the congestion which can be seen on the roads during peak travel hours and sometimes infrequent or slow services on the rail lines. Improving these would ensure growth opportunities in the region. Some of the improvements highlighted within the strategy draft include:

  • Improvements to road access to key developments
  • Tackle congestion in the areas worst affected places
  • Ensure frequent HS2 services call at Crewe
  • Enhance regional rail services to maximise the benefits HS2 could bring
  • Ensure connectivity through the proposed Northern Powerhouse Rail
  • Improve local transport including bus services to more rural areas

Pete Waterman, Chair of the Local Transport Body who has also been invited to speak at the HS2 Economic Growth Conference, said: ”Ours is already an outstanding economy and we consistently punch above our weight, but we need to go further and faster to reach our true potential. Our Strategy Economic Plan sets out an ambitious growth strategy building upon the existing strengths of the sub-region and the dynamic opportunities in key economic corridors and plans for future investment and development. The prize to be won is great, thousand of new jobs and homes, improved productivity, doubling the size of our economic and enhancing Cheshire and Warrington as an attractive, aspirational and successful place.”

He added: ”Most people in the region already believe that transport is a key issue. A good transport system enables businesses to reach markets and access skills and talent and it allows residents to reach jobs, education, shops and services. I’d like to encourage everyone to look at the strategy, tell us what they think to ensure that together we deliver what our communities and businesses need.”

Join us to hear more at the HS2 Economic Growth Conference where we’ll holding a panel session on the economic opportunities which the Crewe & Manchester Hubs will bring – before a further presentation and sub-discussion on Crewe, Warrington, Cheshire and more – involving both the public and private sector.