Article Summary

HS2 has agreed to buy a second Manchester site in preparation for the construction of the city’s new high-speed railway station. The property investment was made on behalf of the Department for Transport and comprises a 4.5 acre site known as ‘Square One’ off Travis Street. 

Big plans for a new station

The land, which currently contains offices for Network Rail, was purchased from property provider Bruntwood for an undisclosed sum. The move by HS2 to invest in more Manchester property forms the next stage in their plan to bring high-speed rail to the city.

The station will be located opposite Manchester’s existing Piccadilly Station and will include six platforms at surface level. This will allow passengers to access both HS2 and future NPR (Northern Powerhouse Rail) services. There are also plans to include a new four-platform Metrolink station below.

A vote of confidence

Once complete, this investment into Manchester property by HS2 will enable passengers to reach Birmingham in just 41 minutes. Travel times to London Euston will also be halved, helping encourage more London commuters to reside in Manchester.

Ruth Todd, chief commercial officer at HS2, said: “this acquisition represents another major milestone in our programme to bring high speed rail to the North.

“HS2’s purchase of Square One is a vote of confidence for investors locally and internationally to leverage the wider regeneration potential of the surrounding area, knowing that Manchester is set to become so brilliantly connected.”

Economic benefits

The purchase means a double benefit for Manchester’s economy. Along with the economic boost that the new station will bring, Bruntwood have also pledged that the proceeds of the sale would be reinvested into the region’s development.

Much of the area surrounding Piccadilly station is currently underdeveloped, making it a great future location for investments into Manchester property. Both residential and commercial properties will likely be in high demand here once the station has opened.

HS2 will begin early works to support the station’s construction in 2025 at the earliest. They estimate that the new station will open between 2035 and 2040.

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