Opportunity Through Connectivity: Catalysing Economic Growth Through A Midlands-North West Rail Link

The ‘Opportunity through connectivity: catalysing growth through a Midlands-Northwest Rail Link’ report has published recommendations exploring the role the private sector can play in accelerating growth between the Midlands and towns and cities in the North. A private sector consortium has shared proposals to create jobs, skills and growth by connecting the Midlands with Northern towns and cities by constructing a new 80km rail line – the Midlands-Northwest Rail Link (MNWRL).

The Mayors of Greater Manchester and the West Midlands commissioned a private sector consortium to review the role of enhanced connectivity in catalysing growth, skills, and jobs across their city-regions, and to explore opportunities for greater private sector involvement in delivering and financing new solutions.

This review was chaired by infrastructure expert Sir David Higgins and led by Arup alongside a private sector consortium of Addleshaw Goddard, Arcadis, Dragados, EY, Mace and Skanska.

They have concluded that a Midlands-North West Rail Link (MNWRL) should be built, in stages and in partnership with private investors. They have identified a solution which still provides the capacity and connectivity benefits of HS2, but at a far lower cost. This vital link will connect towns and cities across the Midlands and the North, providing critical capacity and better service for passengers and freight across the UK.