Northern Hub proposals could bring 23,000 jobs to region, GMITA-commissioned study reveals

Jo Kaye, Network Rail route director, and Councillor Keith Whitmore, Chair of GMITA

Proposed work on the ‘Northern Hub’ could benefit the northern economy by £2.1 billion by 2021, a report commissioned by Manchester transport leaders has revealed.

Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA) commissioned consultants KPMG to look in greater detail at the recommendations of Network Rail’s Northern Hub report, which aims to reduce congestion and improve infrastructure on the north’s rail network.

Councillor Keith Whitmore, Chair of GMITA, said: “The economic evidence for developing the rail network is compelling, as this study confirms.

“Connectivity and productivity are closely linked, and if the recommendations of the Northern Hub report are put into practice, we could see a substantial boost to business in the north.”

Councillor Ian Macdonald, Vice-Chair of GMITA, said: “The study suggests that the Northern Hub proposals could support at least 23,000 more jobs in the region.

“GMPTE will now work closely with Network Rail to develop these proposals in more detail, so that all available opportunities can be fully exploited and the enhancements delivered.”

Jo Kaye, Network Rail route director, said: “We welcome this report which shows how vital the Northern Hub is for people in the north of England, and that continued investment in rail delivers jobs.

“With 700 more trains every day carrying 3.5m more passengers a year, the Northern Hub will transform rail travel across the north.”