HS2: Masterplan promises to create 150 new jobs for Staveley
A maintenance depot looks set to be built at the former Staveley Works site as part of the ambitous £55billion high-speed rail project.
The facility would employ the 150 highly-skilled members of staff to make specialist machinery.
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Hide AdSpeaking at a consultation event at the Speedwell Rooms last Wednesday, Stephen McFarlane, of HS2 Ltd, said: “This is good news for the people of Staveley. The maintenance depot is a very important part of HS2.”
Mr McFarlane said construction work is expected to start in 2023. It is hoped the HS2 project will be completed by 2033.
A new report recommends that the main HS2 route be moved east – away from the much-loved Chesterfield Canal – and that it stops at the town.
The news – which would mean journey times from Chesterfield to London will come down to just one hour and 15 minutes – has been welcomed by politicians, business leaders and conservationists.
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Hide AdHowever, all sides are urging the Government to make a decision on the final route quickly – not least Chesterfield Canal Trust members who want to move forward with regeneration plans.
At the consultation event, Chesterfield Canal memberBarbara Lower said: “We hope the Government makes a decision as soon as possible.
“We need to know what’s going to happen for definite so we can start applying for funding again.”