HS2: Masterplan promises to create 150 new jobs for Staveley

The HS2 masterplan promises to create 150 new jobs in Staveley, it has been revealed.
HS2 divides opinion.HS2 divides opinion.
HS2 divides opinion.

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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Speaking 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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However, 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.”