HS2 Select Committee hears arguments for an underground station in Manchester

Over the past two weeks, the High Speed Rail (Crewe - Manchester) Bill Select Committee has heard petitioners' arguments for the provision of an underground station for HS2 and future Northern Powerhouse Rail services arriving into Manchester. The HS2 Bill proposes that the station at Manchester Piccadilly should be on the surface, adjacent to the existing Network Rail station. The petitioners (the Greater Manchester Partners, who are a combination of the Mayor of Greater Manchester and local authorities working together with Transport for Greater Manchester) are instead seeking an underground station, which would allow future NPR services to use the station as a through service, rather than a surface turnback service as proposed under the Bill. It is expected that the Committee will issue an interim report on the issues discussed. Further petitioning points from the Greater Manchester Partners, including regarding the proposed HS2 station at Manchester Airport, will likely be heard in the Autumn.

Neil Cameron KC and Andrew Byass appeared for the Greater Manchester Partners.

Tim Mould KC is appearing for the Promoter.