Newark part of £2.7bn HS2 transport plans following announcement service will run to East Midlands Hub station in Toton

Newark has been selected as one of the towns to be part of a £2.7bn transport plan that aims to guarantee fast, frequent connections to the HS2 East Midlands Hub station in Toton.

Those behind the project said it would boost the region’s economic renewal post-coronavirus and accelerate the benefits of High Speed Two.

‘The plans we are talking about will benefit Newark significantly’

The plan, published by a group of councils, transport bodies and East Midlands Airport, included a new and improved rail, bus and tram networks and enhanced road infrastructure.

Under the proposals, more than 20 villages, towns and cities across the East Midlands will have direct access to the HS2 station, including Newark.

Sir John Peace, of Caunton, chairman of Midlands Connect and Midlands Engine, said: “The arrival of High Speed Two is a watershed moment for our region, and an opportunity that we must grasp with both hands.

“The plans we are talking about will benefit Newark significantly.

“What this crisis is doing is making us think about the environment and our economy we want to create in the future. Living in London and using crammed full tubes or trains, is that really the existence you want for you and your family?

“This will increasingly see people re-examine the place that they want to live, raise their family and work.

“Businesses in Newark will benefit from this, but it has to be planned very carefully.

“As we work towards an economic renewal post-covid-19, the East Midlands must step forward and work together to secure the transport network, economic future and social mobility it deserves.

“It means spreading the benefits of high speed rail to businesses and workers across the region.”

The plan is split into three phases, worth £455m, £1.2bn and £1.05bn respectively, with the first earmarked for completion by 2030.

The plans outlined an hourly service to Toton from Newark, which would take 51 minutes, while there would be four 12-minute services an hour from Nottingham.

Kay Cutts, leader of Nottinghamshire County Council and chairman of the HS2 East Midlands Growth Board, said: “The arrival of HS2 in Nottinghamshire will bring with it widespread regeneration, development and highly-skilled jobs.

“This comprehensive plan ensures that communities in our towns and villages can access these opportunities, and that the benefits of this investment are spread far and wide.

“This isn’t just a transport project, it’s about securing a successful future for our people, promoting prosperity and social mobility for generations to come.

“We need to work alongside government to ensure that the East Midlands sees benefits as soon as possible.”

Kerri McGarrigle, chairman of Newark Business Club, said she saw both positives and negatives to HS2.

She said: “Connectivity is something that we struggle with and, although we are between Nottingham and Lincoln, which is great, being connected to bigger hubs would be even better because businesses then have the ability to move across the country quicker and more easily.

However, she had concerns on the impact on wildlife, which follows reports from The Wildlife Trust, which said the high-speed rail line could wipe out rare species.