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West Midlands to Crewe (Phase 2a)

On 4 October 2023, the Prime Minister announced that the Government proposes to deliver a broad range of transport initiatives in place of investing in Phase Two of HS2. This means that HS2 Ltd is not undertaking any ‘new’ work to progress plans for Phase 2a of the project and is working with Government to agree the next steps on this phase of the project.

We are working with the Department for Transport to bring HS2 work between the West Midlands and Crewe (Phase 2a) to a stop in a safe and efficient way and conclude any land remediation activities for the handing back of sites.

Land will be remediated where early/enabling works had commenced and where new habitats have been completed, a suitable long term management plan will be established to support our no net loss of biodiversity commitment.

Ongoing contracts

The Department for Transport and HS2 Ltd have started working to bring the work on Phase 2a to a stop in a safe and efficient way whilst ensuring value for money. There are a wide range of tasks, including wrapping up contracts and not progressing the design and delivery partner and main works civil framework contracts.

There are locations along the Phase 2a route where our supply chain will still be carrying out work which is needed either to finish work on an existing site, for the ongoing maintenance of a site, or for health, safety and security reasons. Ahead of this work taking place, we will continue to let those who may be affected know through Advanced Works Notifications, which can be found on the in your area map.

Search our in your area map for information about HS2 work between the West Midlands and Crewe.

Funds

We have taken steps to close the various funding streams which were available on Phase 2a, such as the community and business funds (CEF and BLEF) and the Biodiversity Investment Fund.

Land and property

We recognise that the changes set out in the Government’s announcement on 4 October 2023 will mean some people and communities will have had land and property purchased that is no longer needed for the revised scheme.

There will be no further compulsory purchase notices on Phase 2a and HS2 Ltd is not accepting new applications under the existing schemes from property owners in the areas where safeguarding is going to be lifted. Applications that are in progress will be handled on a case-by-case basis after consultation with the claimant.

The Government is currently developing the programme for selling land acquired for HS2 that is no longer needed. We will engage with the communities and individuals who are affected throughout this process.

Read our Phase 2 land and property impacts Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Learn about the Phase 2a Hybrid Bill and Undertakings and Assurances

Read about HS2 Phase 2a in Parliament

Find out more

Further information

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