Following the Prime Minister’s announcement that the HS2 project is to go ahead, James Cubitt, Head of Colliers International in Birmingham, said: “Finally we’re seeing some commitment towards this crucial infrastructure project which will provide a huge boost to the West Midlands and beyond. Many investors have already recognised the value of the regional commercial real estate market, however with this commitment we’re can expect to see those more cautious broaden their horizons and a further boost in activity.”
Dr Walter Boettcher, Head of Research and Economics, commented: “The announcement that HS2 will go forward is key to unlocking investment opportunities across the UK and supporting the Government’s plans for regional economic rebalancing.
“Despite a history of faltering HS2 promises, the UK regional cities have been growing over the last decade as major corporations moved out of the costly capital to more affordable areas, sparking regeneration and an active commercial real estate market.
“This commitment sends a clear message that the whole of the UK is crucial to our collective economic success, just as new regulatory freedoms are now available to support UK businesses and economic development, now that the UK has left the EU. Regional UK governments increasingly appear to be aligned with central government thinking, hence a new optimism is not misplaced. Good intentions look very likely to be followed by concrete progress.”
