Major changes planned for HS2 bill that would allow Manchester connection

A raft of major changes have been proposed to the planned law that would see HS2 extend to Manchester.

The alterations to the High Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill have been submitted to Parliament and will now be voted on by MPs.

The bill itself was first submitted to Parliament in January last year while a first set of changes were introduced in the summer of 2022.

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HS2 Ltd, the company building the low-carbon high-speed railway, said that changes to hybrid bills "aren't uncommon and reflect the ongoing work that HS2 Ltd undertakes to ensure it builds the best railway in the best way".

The planned changes to the bill include:

HS2 Ltd said the proposed changes would keep it on track to open the line between Crewe and Manchester between 2035 and 2041.

Stephen Smith, head of consultation and engagement for HS2’s Phase 2b programme, said: "Extending the HS2 network to Manchester will vastly improve connectivity between the UK’s major towns and cities, while freeing up vital capacity on the existing rail network for more local and regional rail services.

"This latest set of design changes reflects our ongoing commitment to minimise disruption during the construction and operational phases. Feedback from communities plays a vital role in the design process and we encourage people to have their say before the consultation closes."

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The proposed changes come after long-standing plans for two extra platforms at Manchester Piccadilly railway station were 'dropped' by the Government.

MP Lucy Powell revealed the news last month as she called existing