Representatives from Enfield Council yesterday(Tuesday 26 January) told an evidence gathering commission on behalf of Crossrail 2 that the scheme will deliver tremendous benefits to the borough
Leader of Enfield Council and Chief Executive Rob Leak told the commission, from Transport for London, that Crossrail 2 – which is expected to be extended to New Southgate will benefit every household in Enfield and bring investment, business and visitors to the area.
Crossrail 2 is the proposed new high-frequency, high-capacity rail line running through London and into Surrey and Hertfordshire which aims to add capacity to London’s rail network and support economic regeneration across the area.
The Council lobbied on behalf of the proposed extension last year after an initial consultation in 2013 showed massive support for Crossrail 2 leading Transport for London to look at extending the original service to New Southgate.
Leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Doug Taylor, said: “It is well known that Meridian Water, which will generate 8,000 homes and 3,000 jobs would not be possible without four tracks. Crossrail 2 is an even bigger opportunity to significantly benefit all parts of the borough bringing with it very much needed jobs and homes.
“Crossrail 2 will attract investment, business and visitors to the area, giving it a significant boost and helping to make the whole borough and New Southgate, in particular, a more profitable and a more attractive destination for shoppers and visitors.
“It will significantly improve transport links to Enfield and give residents greater mobility and personal freedom to access jobs opportunities and services, it would reduce congestion, drive economic growth and revitalise the borough’s economy.
“Research shows that property prices go up near transport hubs and the money spent on transport infrastructure generates significant increases in business sales and getting people on trains will help to significantly reduce the borough’s carbon footprint.
“This decision supports the Council’s efforts to attract investment and better transport infrastructure to the borough. We are a business friendly council and Crossrail 2 coming to Enfield will be a real boon to the companies in New Southgate and further afield.”
The new service, which could start running in 2031, would reduce the journey time between New Southgate and Victoria Station to just 23 minutes. Enfield Council will work with residents, businesses and TfL to ensure this scheme benefits everybody.
