A senior minister has said he believes there is a “very significant” argument for making £3.5 billion of improvements to the Midlands rail network.
Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and Midlands Engine Ministerial Champion, made his comments at the launch of the Midlands Engine Rail plan, which took place yesterday at the Derby factory of train-maker Bombardier.
Put together by sub-national transport body Midlands Connect, the plan consists of seven schemes across the East and West Midlands, all aimed at boosting the Midlands economy by supporting “sustainability, productivity and social mobility” across the entire region.
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According to Midlands Connect, the programme of improvements proposed would provide “much-needed” extra capacity on national, local and regional rail services, creating space for 736 more passenger trains on the network each day.
It has said that around 60 locations could benefit from improved services, including Birmingham, Leicester, Coventry, Nottingham, Derby, Stoke, Crewe, Shrewsbury, Lincoln, Worcester and Wolverhampton.
Midlands Connect is now calling on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to give his backing to the proposals.
At the launch, Mr Jenrick, who is the MP for Newark, in Nottinghamshire, met with senior figures from Midlands Connect, the Midlands Engine and local authorities, to find out more about the proposals.
He said: “Currently, rail connectivity between the East and West Midlands is poor. It is something that my constituents in Newark regularly tell me.
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“We are looking to support projects that offer good value for money. I believe that the argument for improving rail connections in the East and West Midlands is very significant.
“Since becoming Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has made it very clear that improving infrastructure in the North and the Midlands is one of his top priorities - and we shall pay very close attention to the proposals that Midlands Connect has put forward.”
According to Midlands Connect, if Midlands Engine Rail gets the nod from government, the seven schemes would be delivered in stages from 2022.
The improvements would also be fully integrated with HS2, a scheme which is currently being reviewed by Douglas Oakervee.
Sir John Peace, chairman of Midlands Connect and Midlands Engine, who attended the launch, said: “I believe what we have put forward represents superb value for money. Improved rail infrastructure is essential for our industries.
“Of course, HS2 is currently under review - and we have made our submission to Douglas Oakervee in support of the scheme.
“That’s because HS2 underpins many of the rail improvements we want to see on our local networks. It is all interconnected.
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“£3.5 billion is a lot of money to ask for. But we are hopeful that the Government will see that they will be getting a lot for their money. I believe it is the bargain of the century.”
Midlands Connect believes that such a huge investment would also have a positive impact on rail suppliers, many of which are based in the region.
Among them is Derby train-maker Bombardier, which is building new rolling stock for West Midlands Trains.
Will Tanner, director of public relations and public affairs at Bombardier, said: “The way we see it is that any investment in the Midlands rail network is good news for us.
“Midlands Connect is calling for more train services, which will hopefully mean that more new trains are needed.
“We are also part of a joint venture bidding for the right to build trains for HS2. HS2 remains a big part of plans for the regional rail network going forward and we have also made a submission to the Oakervee Review.”