HS2 Route Could Be Coming to Long Eaton
HS2, whatever your views, it’s coming, probably, definitely, maybe! So here is what we know.
The proposed route runs right through our local area. From the south, it runs through Long Eaton into Toton where the East Midlands Hub Station will be located. Then proceeding north through Sandiacre, Stapleford on through Trowell and beyond. Click here for an interactive map showing the proposed route
For some, the route will undoubtedly mean upheaval where properties or land will be required to make way for the line, as a company we are already involved in offering professional valuation advice for some households potentially affected.
The current information provided by HS2 project regarding the time frame is that the trains won’t be running until the end of 2033, some 15 years away. So why should we worry or talk about it now? Well according to the proposed timeline, work will start on constructing the line and the hub in 2024. While we don’t know any more information at the moment this will be probably one of the largest infrastructure projects we have seen in this area for a generation and will make an impact on the area for generations to come.
The strategy is that the HS2 is to improve journey times to other HS2 hubs, including Sheffield, Birmingham and of course London and alleviate pressure on the existing rail network and free up the existing track for freight. We understand that existing lines will feed trains from Nottingham, Derby, Long Eaton and Attenborough to the new hub at Toton. Click here for more information about Toton Station.
There are already plans in place to extend the Tram line currently terminating at the Park and Ride on Toton Lane (on the Stapleford/Toton border) to the new hub. Also around this area proposals are being drawn up for more housing, education, leisure and business parks.
So the big question, how will this impact property prices? Some may say, it’s fifteen years off, it’s too far in the future to predict, and it may not get built. Are we really going to be a commuter belt for London? More realistically is that improved connectivity to our area and more employment created by the new business parks will put our area on the map and potentially increase property values. Moreover, the HS2 have suggested there will be initiatives to train and employ the local workforce to help construct the line and the Hub, but inevitably there will be an influx of skilled workers moving into our area who will need housing, and this could increase rental and sale prices.
Whether you embrace the proposed HS2, are indifferent or you are opposed to the scheme, it could be on your and our doorstep. There are public information events being held locally, on 22nd June 2pm-8pm at Trowell Parish Hall and on 27th June 2pm – 8pm in Long Eaton at West Park Leisure Centre. Here is a link to the full list of events.