Stapleford hoping to boost its fortunes with “double-whammy” of projects
The expansion of the HS2 rail network could help transform the town of Stapleford – making it an attractive proposition to investors and bringing huge benefits for residents.
That’s the message from the Stapleford Town Deal’s Executive Board and also the area’s MP, who are urging the federal government to ensure the eastern leg of the HS2 rail project – which includes a station at nearby Toton – goes ahead.
A final decision is announced on the project in the coming months when the Government publishes its Integrated Rail Plan.
It comes simultaneously as Stapleford is waiting to find out whether it has been successful in its bid to get up to £25m in funding from the Government’s Towns Fund.
Stapleford businessman Ian Jowett, Chair of Broxtowe’s Towns Deal Board, said: “HS2 is about so much more than fast trains. It'll bring huge economic and social advantages to the whole of the East Midlands, and Stapleford is really a prime example of an area that could be totally transformed.
“The raised connectivity, not only to the capital, but additionally to the rest of the Midlands and the north of England will mean we are in a prime position for investors and those looking to base their businesses here in the heart of the UK.
“We've big plans for the town as successful in our Towns Fund bid and also the announcement of the go-ahead of HS2 East coupled with this would be a double-whammy, revitalising the town for residents and businesses alike.”
The Stapleford Town Deal Board submitted their bid for funding at the end of January, and a decision is expected in early summer. If successful, the proposals include a new community leisure hub, improved cycle networks, a brand new enterprise hub for start-up businesses, a brand new market and an adult education centre.
Hopes are high for Stapleford’s bid after Staveley in North Derbyshire, which is also on the HS2 East route, was allocated £25.2m in the fund at the beginning of this month.
Broxtowe MP Darren Henry said: “HS2 would be truly transformational for Stapleford, sparking regeneration across the area. We will see new apprenticeships, skills, jobs, new homes and investment on a scale never seen before in the town.
“Combined with a successful Towns Fund bid, the outcome would be huge, making Stapleford an absolutely fantastic place to live and work. There is such a wonderful community here and also the people of Stapleford deserve nothing less for his or her future.
“Together with the recent Budget announcement from the Freeport area around East Midlands Airport and Ratcliffe-on-Soar through the Chancellor, it means that the people of Broxtowe and the East Midlands will have access to opportunities as we return back to normal after the pandemic.”