EQ3- HS2 regen case study UK

Question 1

Provide context for HS2

Answer 1

-High speed rail to Birmingham and eventually northern cities
-29 mins saves from london to birmingham
-The gov initially estimated HS2 would cost £37.5 billion
-Built by private companies mainly TNCs

Question 2

What are the advantages of HS2

Answer 2

-Helps bridge the north south divide
-Boost UK economy
-Good for environment
-Like the olympics, it will boost national pride and give the country a long-term national asset

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of the HS2

Answer 3

-No idea what final bill will be
-Clearance of 108 ancient woodlands
-Demolition of homes + damage to rural England is too costly and disruptive
-There are better value projects the UK could spend the money on
-High speed is not necessarily new (The UK is embracing 20th century tech just as the rest of the world is turning their backs on high speed rail)
-Total cost is around £108 billion