Expanding the High Speed 1 rail network towards Hastings and Bexhill in East Sussex could bring £354M of benefit to the local economy within 30 years, according to a new report.

 

A strategic economic case published on Friday found that extension of the ‘Javelin’ service from London St Pancras to Hastings, via Ashford, would reduce journey times from 91 minutes to 68 minutes.

 

The document was commissioned by East Sussex County Council, Hastings Borough Council and Rother District Council and produced by Mott MacDonald.

 

“This is about improving the economy and increasing the number of jobs in Hastings and Bexhill by investing in important infrastructure,” said East Sussex County Council’s lead member for the economy Rupert Simmons.

 

But he added: “While the business case is greater than we could have imagined, this is the first step and we will still have to wait for Network Rail’s report on the cost and feasibility of extending the high speed rail line.”

 

Findings from the report show that a high speed link would increase business investment and growth in Hastings and Bexhill and – in alignment with plans for economic regeneration – ‘supercharge’ the local economy. It would also provide new commuting opportunities.

 

Hastings Borough Council leader Peter Chowney said: “We have seen some tremendous investment in the area over the last few years, which has created new jobs, a real boost to our reputation and the feeling that things really are getting better.

 

“A high speed link to London is absolutely vital for our regeneration to continue. I hope that this really positive report will help us get the investment in the rail infrastructure that we so desperately need.”

 

(Photo: Department for Transport)