Manchester Piccadilly
"I want to pursue the idea of a ”Manchester Hub” as a priority, to help unlock more of the region's economic power. This Network Rail study will give us more details on how and when this could be done, what infrastructure would be required, and at what cost”, said Transport Minister, Rosie Winterton.
Increasing rail capacity will create numerous benefits for the North, including additional and faster train operations, principally in providing key services between Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle.
Further outcomes from the project may enable faster and more direct services to Manchester Airport and more freight traffic to connect with northern ports.
Neville Chamberlain, Chair of Northern Way Steering Group, believes ”The Hub” is the most damaging rail bottleneck in the North and explained why this announcement was welcome.
"We will be playing a full role in the planning process, and look forward to working with Network Rail and all other partners to ensure that these developments will benefit everyone who lives, works and invests in Manchester, the wider city region and the North of England," Manchester City Council leader, Sir Richard Leese.