Government go-ahead for high-speed rail link could mean upturn in workload
Opinion is divided upon the proposed high-speed rail link that will link London and Birmingham from 2026. Environmentalists and those living close to the proposed route are, understandably, less than happy at the prospect of a new railway line cutting ugly swathes through some of the UK’s most picturesque scenery. Those travelling regularly between the UK capital and its second city, meanwhile, will be looking forward to the opening of a much-needed new route that will alleviate overcrowding on the existing line and afford them the “luxury” of somewhere to sit during their cattle-to-slaughter-style journey.
Regardless of their geographic or environmental inclinations however, there is one group that will have welcomed yesterday’s green light almost unreservedly: the UK’s demolition contractors.
Despite the best efforts of HS2 – the company charged with managing this £33 billion project – the construction of the new line will require the compulsory purchase and enforced demolition of a large number of homes and properties, particularly in Warwickshire villages like Ufton Wood, Stoneleigh, Burton Green and Water Orton.
But before any demolition contractors reach for the cheque book and call their local Ferrari dealer on the strength of this announcement, there are still a number of obstacles to overcome before this green light puts demolition back in the black.
For one thing, there is the timescale. Yes, there is a lot of work to be done and it won’t be accomplished overnight. But 2026 is a long way off, and any demolition contractor currently feeling the pinch now is unlikely to feel the benefit of this upturn in workload any time soon.
Then there is the question of funding. Estimates put the price tag for the HS2 project at £33 billion although, based on past experience, we can expect that to double between now and the time the monarch of the day dents the front of the new locomotive with a well-aimed bottle of Bollinger and boards the first high-speed train bound for Brum. And, lest we forget, this is at a time when the Government coffers are as empty as the West Ham trophy cabinet.
And, of course, there is the question of political will. Today’s Conservative-led alliance Government clearly believes that linking the country’s first and second cities will have economic benefits for both and for the country as a whole. But should that alliance Government crumble or should the country take a swing back to the left any time in the next 14 years, and HS2 could find itself consigned to the backburner faster than you can say “a new broom sweeps clean”.
As a journalist who relies upon demolition for my livelihood, I welcome the HS2 announcement. But as a realist, I have no intention of counting this particular clutch of chickens any time soon.
High Speed Rail Animation from HS2Ltd on Vimeo.
