A number of active discussion topics on here at the moment, so here goes:
HS2: Whilst the big
PR selling point relating to HS2 concerns much faster passenger journey times, this is not the main benefit from the point of view of the rail industry. Capacity is the prize. The current WCML operation is the rail equivalent of today's LHR. If line capacity was available, the WCML would already be handling far more services per day than is currently possible. There is already an identified need for substantial increases in intra-regional and commuter services along the line which simply can't be contemplated based upon capacity as it exists today. And then there is freight: the rail freight industry would love significantly increased access to the line. The advent of HS2 will take the bulk of inter-city passenger demand off the WCML, but be assured that the WCML won't be left under-utilised. The reallocation of paths on the existing WCML is the true unappreciated prize of the HS2 project. This process would be an immense boost to the economy.
Remember too that HS2 is not designed around the needs of Manchester Airport. MAN must fit in with the needs of HS2, not the other way around. It is a big positive that the HS2 planners have agreed to the concept of having a Manchester Airport stop on the line at all - it will slow down overall journey times. It is up to MAG to seize that opportunity and make it work. Yes, it would be brilliant to have a co-located single station for all Manchester Airport services. Sadly, that does not appear to be possible at a realistic cost. MAN must make the best of the deal on offer.
AIRPORT CITY: The apparent inactivity on the Airport City site is all part of the plan. Heavy work on the 9000 space car park adjacent to Ringway Road is scheduled for completion in mid-November. Some minor work will continue on site beyond then (painting bays, signage type stuff), but the heavy plant is expected to leave the site at that point. The car park has been constructed in phases … a good portion of it is already in use. Once the full site is available, MAG will commence preparation work on land which is currently active car park but which is designated to form part of the future Airport City site. This will initially involve installation of drainage, utilities etc. The Airport City project has not been forgotten or abandoned. It just has to await the availability of the alternative car parks before the next visible phase of work can advance.
More comments to follow in a seperate posting.