Source: randstadcpe.com, 04.20.2011

George Osborne has confirmed that the high speed rail network planned from London to Birmingham is likely to create in the region of 10,000 construction, engineering and rail jobs, reports railwaypeople.com.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer enthused about the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail link while on a visit to the Midlands city. He said the project would transform the Curzon Street area, where a new station terminal is to be built, bringing new employment and business opportunities to the community.

The new and highly publicised line, constructed and maintained by transport organisation, Centro, will carry trains from Euston to Birmingham in 46 minutes, with trains travelling at speeds of 250 miles per hour, according to the Financial Times. The track will then continue north, splitting when it reaches the Pennines.

Mr Osborne told the press "The project will create 10,000 construction jobs followed by 8,000 permanent jobs in and around Birmingham itself, 4,500 of which will be based in Curzon Street.

"These are not my figures. They are the findings of a new independent study into the project, which is a vital piece of transport infrastructure both for Birmingham and the rest of the country."

Mr Osborne's sentiment was echoed by Centro chairman, Angus Adams, who told railwaypeople.com: "I welcome the Chancellor of the Exchequer's comments as they reinforce what we have believed all along about HS2. It is a project which brings massive employment and regeneration opportunities to the area".