Magazines
Newsletter
Advertise
Search
The Business Magazine - B2B Business News - Site Logo
The Business Magazine - B2B Business News - Site Logo
The Business Magazine July 2024
Read now
PICK YOUR EDITION

Coventry rail link would create 3,000 jobs, says Midlands Connect

The Business Magazine article image for: Coventry rail link would create 3,000 jobs, says Midlands Connect
10 October 2024

New analysis by Midlands Connect has shown that a proposed rail link between Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham would create 3,000 roles during construction and across the supply chain.

Jobs would peak in 2031 at around 850 and average around 400 every year, with the majority predicted to be skilled roles in engineering, operatives or project management.

Midlands Connect, which researches, develops and recommends major transport projects for the region, also believes that 70 apprentices could be recruited and trained over the course of the seven-year project.

These jobs could generate an additional £68 million in economic value across the Midlands and almost £11 million in social value benefits.

This is on top of the traditional transport and wider economic benefits, which are expected to be around £170 million.

Journey times along the route would be cut significantly, with trips from Coventry to Leicester falling from 54 to as low as 30 minutes, and from Coventry to Nottingham falling to around 65 minutes.

Loughborough and East Midlands Parkway could also have new direct and more frequent links to Coventry.

Currently, just three per cent of trips between Coventry and Leicester are made by train, compared to 30 per cent between Coventry and Birmingham.

Andrew Clark, integrated transport programme lead at Midlands Connect, said: “This project is so much more than just a rail scheme.

“It will create high-skilled and high-paid jobs, grow our economy and kickstart careers thanks to the creation of apprenticeship roles.

“At the moment, it can take up to 70 minutes to travel less than 25 miles between Coventry and Leicester, and passengers have to change trains halfway.

“It’s simply not good enough. Our plans will fix that and link key Midland cities once and for all.”

Cllr George Duggins, leader of Coventry City Council, added: “At the moment, the Midlands’ east-west rail connections are substandard, holding us back from a more productive and sustainable future.

“And now, thanks to this report, we know this is also holding back the creation of highly skilled jobs, opportunities for young people and of course the wider economy.

“Turning these plans into reality is an essential step, so I hope we can see some progress and fast.”


Share 

Born and raised in Berkshire, Dan fell into journalism after completing his bachelor’s degree in English at UCL.

Writing for The Business Magazine and local Biz News sites has given him the opportunity to chat with all manner of small business owners and share their success stories with a wider audience.

Outside of work, Dan enjoys live music, board games and quiz shows, and is making a slow but persistent effort to learn Spanish.

Latest deal ticket

All deals

Events

All events

Related news


Group Titles

Dorset BIZ NewsHampshire BIZ News
crossmenu