Manchester deserves High Speed Rail (HSR) says Marketing Manchester

Commenting on today’s announcement by The Rt Hon Justine Greening MP, secretary of state for transport, Andrew Stokes, chief executive of Marketing Manchester, said: “Quite simply, the city deserves HSR.

"Manchester is the economic powerhouse of the north of England and the only alternative UK engine of the economy to London. It has achieved this in spite of a rail infrastructure that was designed in the pre-Victorian era.  

"On a tourism, cultural and business front, the city is competing at the highest level. This is, without doubt, thanks to the success and international connectivity provided by Manchester Airport. Unfortunately, our domestic rail offering needs much investment to meet the ambitions of the city.

"Whilst the city has a great deal to market to the world, it is unquestionable that being 'closer' to the capital would improve our standing in many areas of industry - creating new opportunities for the city to exploit.

"Today's decision brings HSR that bit closer to Manchester and I would encourage the secretary of state to make a firm commitment to phase two of the project sooner rather than later."

ENDS