Plans to extend the UK’s new railway — High Speed Two — moved a step closer on Wednesday with the opening of a new public consultation on the latest proposals for the railway which include “design refinements” in the Manchester area .

“Communities are encouraged to have their say on a series of proposed design refinements, which show how the route from Crewe to Manchester (known as the Phase 2b Western leg) is progressing to fully integrate with plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) and the wider transport network,” said HS2.

“The consultation focuses on four proposed modifications to the current design of the Phase 2b Western leg and outlines technical changes and expansion plans to both Manchester Airport and Manchester Piccadilly High Speed Stations.

“The changes fully support the vision for HS2 and NPR becoming the new backbone of Britain’s national rail network.

“Collectively, HS2 and NPR will increase capacity on the rail network and improve connections between the UK’s biggest cities and regions, while generating thousands of jobs and boosting economic growth across the Midlands and the North.”

Communities in Cheshire and Greater Manchester are being asked to give their views on a series of design refinements for Manchester Airport High Speed Station, including:

• Increasing the number of platforms (from two to four) to accommodate service growth and plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail
• An update to the station’s design to accommodate a future Metrolink stop
• Increasing the number of car parking spaces and adding further car parking on the western side of the station
• Changes to the surrounding road network to provide a second access to the station

Further design changes proposed for Manchester Piccadilly Station include:

• Providing two additional platforms (from four to six) to allow future use of HS2 infrastructure as part of NPR
• Relocating the Piccadilly Metrolink station beneath the HS2/NPR station and making provision for a second Metrolink stop in the event of future expansion of Metrolink to the east of the city
• Making passive provision for the junction required for a future connection to Leeds as part of Northern Powerhouse Rail
• Changing the horizontal alignment of the approach to the station to reduce impacts on the existing Ardwick train care facility
• Improving the road network around the station to avoid disruption to road users and re-provide highways around HS2 works

“The proposals demonstrate cost efficiencies by integrating the infrastructure required to deliver NPR into the design of HS2’s Western Leg hybrid Bill,” said HS2.

“This forward-thinking approach aligns to the Government’s vision to significantly improve capacity, connectivity and reliability of the rail network across the North as quickly as possible.”

Leonie Dubois, HS2’s Head of Consultation and Engagement said: “Our latest consultation demonstrates that we’re a step closer to extending Britain’s new railway from Crewe to Manchester, improving connectivity to the North and delivering on the vision for a cleaner, greener transport network . 

“Local communities have an important role to play in informing the final design of the railway and I encourage them to take the time to respond to these proposals”.

Consultation documents, which provide a detailed account of the proposed changes, are available online at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/hs2-phase-2b-western-leg-design-refinement-consultation.