2. Debate the benefits of HS1 – what are the key issues for HS2? Chapter 6 discusses three London stations, and the major regeneration at St Pancras Station, which was part of the multibillion pound High Speed 1 (HS1) project. This is not Britain’s only high-speed rail line project though. HS2 will be a high-speed route between London, Birmingham, Leeds and the north of England and Scotland.

The proposed high-speed line is not without its critics. While the project is seen as being beneficial to the economy, and as a catalyst for the creation of new jobs in technology and engineering, those who are against it cite a number of issues, with many suggesting that HS2 will not deliver the benefits that have been suggested. Further, many opponents suggest that money would be better spent on digital communications and investment in existing infrastructure. Those who support the project suggest that the current rail infrastructure is already nearing its full capacity.

However, it is the impact on the environment that is the primary concern of those who live close to the proposed HS2 route. As a result of the complexity of this project, substantial investment is required for carrying out route evaluations, economic impact assessments and environmental impact assessments. This evidence all forms part of the case for the development, which requires considerable public scrutiny. The £43 million project is currently mired in legal challenges, but is still scheduled for delivery by 2032