Paul Blomfield, MP for Sheffield Central, has commented on today’s announcement from HS2 Ltd on the next phase of the HS2 project and new plans for an HS3 route. The Sheffield Central MP has reconfirmed his support for a Sheffield city centre station, and calls for HS3 plans to focus on improving connectivity between Sheffield, Manchester and Leeds. 

Paul Blomfield MP said:

“One of the main objectives of HS2 is to improve the northern economy and on that basis the case for a Sheffield city centre station is overwhelming. Independent economic studies confirm that a city centre station would create 6,500 extra jobs compared to Meadowhall, and would provide a £5bn billion stimulus to the local economy.

“This is the biggest investment in the railways north of London since the Victorian age, so we’ve got to get it right. Sheffield Council, our two universities and business leaders all support a city centre station and I’ll continue to work with them to press the case with HS2 Ltd and the Government.”

On HS3 the Sheffield Central MP said:

“Only talking about improving connectivity between Leeds and Manchester doesn’t address the fact that the critical connectivity for the north is between the golden triangle of Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester. HS3 must focus on all of these routes, and provide links to Liverpool, Hull and Newcastle.”