Expansion of both Manchester’s Piccadilly and Airport stations with two extra platforms and enhancing plans for Crewe station to provide an extra rail connection from Crewe to the North are among a range of measures being proposed by HS2 today.

Also proposed is the construction of a new HS2 rolling stock depot in Annandale, Scotland, which would create up to 100 jobs in the local area.

The consultation has been launched following recommendations from the Oakervee Review to deliver HS2 in smaller sections and consider how best to deliver the project alongside other schemes through the development of an Integrated Rail Plan to improve connections across the North and Midlands.

HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson said: “HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail are an integral part of this country’s future rail network, vital for improving connections between our biggest cities and regions, boosting jobs and kickstarting economic growth as we build back better.

“This consultation will ensure passengers and business have their say in delivering a rail network that meets their needs, providing better journeys across the Midlands and the North as quickly as possible.

It follows extensive work by the Department for Transport, HS2 and Transport for the North to propose infrastructure designs that will best integrate HS2 with Northern Powerhouse Rail, reducing the amount of extra infrastructure required in the future.

This includes proposals to boost capacity in Manchester by doubling the number of platforms at the Airport station from 2 to 4 and increasing the number at Piccadilly from 4 to 6.

In addition, an extra northern service from Crewe could see 5 to 7 HS2 trains per hour calling at the station, facilitating connections to NPR and bringing the vision of a Crewe Hub a step closer.