Manchester Mayor Criticises Overground Station Proposal, Calls for Greater Ambition

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, has criticised the government’s current HS2 plans, urging them to demonstrate “greater ambition” for Northern England. His concerns focus on the proposed overground station at Manchester Piccadilly, which he labelled the “wrong solution” during a press conference on Monday.

The HS2 Phase 2b bill, introduced to Parliament, promises significant improvements to rail connectivity, including a reduction in travel times of up to 55 minutes between London and Manchester, and 45 minutes between Birmingham and Manchester. Additionally, the Department for Transport (DfT) claims the project will at least double rail capacity on these routes.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps described the bill as a “landmark moment” for the North’s transport infrastructure. The plans include laying HS2 tracks and constructing new stations at Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport. However, Burnham and Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig advocate for an underground station at Piccadilly to maximise land use and accommodate future demands.

The Debate Over HS2’s Design
Burnham argued that the overground design would waste valuable development space and create operational inefficiencies, such as requiring trains between Liverpool and Leeds to reverse out of the station. He expressed concerns about the long-term implications, stating:

“What happens here will define Northern England for the next two centuries. If billions are being spent, it must be done right.”

Craig echoed his sentiment, calling for modifications to the plan during the bill’s passage through Parliament. “We welcome high-speed rail in Manchester but need the right solution for the city’s success,” she said.

Government Response and Budget Concerns
The DfT defended its proposal, arguing that an underground station would cause significant disruption, extend passenger travel times to platforms, and add up to £5 billion to the project’s cost. A surface station, the department claimed, offers better value for money and aligns with Manchester’s broader development goals.

However, HS2 continues to face opposition from environmental and financial watchdogs, including Stop HS2 North and HS2 Rebellion. Critics highlight the project’s growing budget, which increased from an initial £55.7 billion to a revised maximum of £98 billion in 2020. Despite these concerns, HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson reaffirmed last year that the project remains within its adjusted budget.

As the bill progresses, Burnham and his allies plan to lobby for changes to ensure HS2 meets the North’s needs while maximising its potential benefits.