A proposed rail link between Coventry, Leicester, and Nottingham could result in the creation of 3,000 jobs, according to transport lobbying group Midlands Connect.
The project, which aims to significantly reduce travel times between these key cities, is expected to generate an average of 400 jobs per year, with a peak of around 850 jobs in 2031. The majority of roles will be in skilled professions, such as engineering, operations, and project management. Midlands Connect also predicts that 70 apprenticeships could be offered over the course of the project, providing opportunities for young people to gain valuable experience in the sector.
The seven-year project is estimated to add £68 million in economic value through job creation in both the East and West Midlands, alongside nearly £11 million in social value benefits, including environmental improvements, enhanced wellbeing, and other community advantages.
Currently, only 3% of journeys between Coventry and Leicester are made by train, compared to 30% between Coventry and Birmingham. Midlands Connect believes that by improving the rail connection, travel times between Coventry and Leicester could be reduced from 54 minutes to as little as 30 minutes. Coventry to Nottingham journeys could be shortened to around 65 minutes. The project also promises new, direct services for Loughborough and East Midlands Parkway.
A Push for Improved Transport Links
Midlands Connect emphasises that the project is not just about improving rail travel, but also about driving economic growth through the creation of high-paid, skilled jobs and apprenticeships.
Andrew Clark, Integrated Transport Programme Lead at Midlands Connect, commented: “This project is so much more than just a rail scheme, it will create high-skilled and high-paid jobs, grow our economy, and kick-start careers, thanks to the creation of apprenticeship roles."
Sir Peter Soulsby, City Mayor of Leicester, expressed support for the plan, saying: “This project is a priority for the Council. It will allow people to travel easily between Leicester and Coventry. The creation of high-skilled, high-paid jobs is a bonus, as is the creation of apprenticeship roles, kick-starting careers.”
Councillor George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council, highlighted the current limitations of east-west rail connections in the Midlands: “At the moment the Midlands’ east-west rail connections are substandard, holding us back from a more productive and sustainable future. Turning these plans into reality is an essential step.”
With significant job creation and economic benefits on the horizon, the proposed rail link promises to transform travel and opportunities across the Midlands region.
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