East leg of HS2 project cancelled and land to be sold

The government confirmed the official cancellation of the eastern leg of HS2 with land sales starting soon.

East leg of HS2 project officially cancelled as land sold off

The eastern leg of Phase 2b of the HS2 project, initially planned to extend to Leeds, has been officially cancelled by the government. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced that the land purchased for the project will be sold off, lifting the safeguarding protections that had been in place for almost four years. This move allows properties bought along the route to be returned to owners at current market value or sold on the open market starting in early 2026. The government has spent £2.6 billion on the now-defunct project, adding to uncertainty about rail investment in Northern England. Criticism from local leaders highlights ongoing concerns about the future of rail services in the region, especially with the absence of the HS2 extension.

The cancellation of the eastern leg of HS2 reflects a broader trend of shifting priorities in UK infrastructure investment. Political leaders have expressed concerns about missing rail investment commitments, particularly for Northern England. The decision has raised questions about transportation equity, as local governments worry that diminished investment will adversely affect critical regions. Some argue that without the eastern extension, the overall value of HS2 will decline, as it may not adequately serve the needs of cities like Sheffield.

Highlights

The future of rail investment in the North remains uncertain as leaders seek clarity.