A new Midlands to North West rail link scheme via Crewe has been proposed to "replace" HS2, scrapped by Rishi Sunak's Conservative government in October 2023.

Mayors of Greater Manchester (Andy Burnham), and the West Midlands (Richard Parker), revealed plans for a new 50-mile rail link on Friday 13 September.

This plan, based on a report commissioned by the mayors, relies on investment from the private sector, costing substantially less than the scrapped HS2 northern leg.

Journeys between London and Manchester on the West Midlands to North West rail link would be 30 minutes faster than today (Arup).

The report said journeys between London and Manchester on the line would be 30 minutes faster than today, and only 15 minutes slower than the scrapped HS2.

It is believed the new line has the potential to deliver "roughly 85 per cent of the benefits of HS2 Phase 2" at 60 to 75 per cent of the cost."

Leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Nick Mannion, told Nub News "The council welcomes today's publication of proposals for a new rail link between the Midlands and the North West, which would replace the scrapped Northern leg of HS2.

"We are also pleased to see Crewe included in the preferred solution for improving connections between Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and London, and that the report recognises Crewe's importance as a rail interchange, its role in the regional economy and the regeneration potential.

Mayors of Greater Manchester (Andy Burnham, pictured) and the West Midlands (Richard Parker), revealed plans for a new 50-mile rail link on Friday 13 September (Ryan Parker).

"It is critical for Cheshire East that trains connect and stop at Crewe. 

"Crewe needs to be at the heart of whatever follows in place of HS2 and we will be seeking conversations with the consortium so that we can further understand these proposals and the full implications." 

The rail report found creating a new rail link between the Midlands and the North West is critical to enhance capacity for passengers and freight moving between the regions.

It recommended the government maintains ownership of land acquired for HS2 Phase 2a between the West Midlands and Crewe.

Leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Nick Mannion (CEC).

Cllr Mannion said: "Crewe's 360-degree connectivity and strategic position makes it fundamental to delivering on the region's transport ambitions and we are supportive of proposals that ensure any new services connect and stop in Crewe.

"Any proposal that doesn't deliver this cannot truly provide an integrated network or realise the full transport and economic benefits in Crewe, Cheshire East or the North West as a whole."

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