While the regional divide between the East and West Midlands is hardly comparable to that of the North and the South, the continued growth of the East and West Midlands is drawing inevitable comparisons.
With both regions boasting thriving property markets, a myriad of regeneration schemes and a rising population, how exactly do the East and West Midlands compare?
Transport
The Midlands as a whole is undoubtedly one of the most well-connected regions in the UK, with HS2 – one of the UK’s biggest transport schemes due to complete its first phase in 2026 – set to entice yet more people to the Midlands for many years to come.
Birmingham forms an integral part of the overall HS2 project, with the city’s interchange set to be located on Curzon Street as part of a wider regeneration plan. The Curzon Street Masterplan will provide the city centre with a new lease of life, by drastically improving transport connections and investing £724 million into the surrounding areas.
As a result, Birmingham residents will be able to reach London in just 45 minutes, Manchester in around 41 minutes and the likes of Newcastle, in less than 120 minutes. This expansive masterplan is also set to deliver 36,000 new jobs and 4,000 new homes, as well as 600,000 square metres of commercial developments.
While HS2 is a flagship project for the West Midlands, it is just one of many transport routes within the Midlands. The East Midlands is the epicentre of the UK, which has brought with it a wealth of transport opportunities, whether that be by road, rail or air.
Not only does the East Midlands house an international airport, but this key region has long been bridging the gap between the North and the South. With over 6 million people within one hour of travel, the East Midlands Railway serves over 800,000 passengers a year from across the country.
The connectivity of the Midlands forms an integral part of the UK’s transport system, with the region as a whole offering a balance of rail, air and road routes to connect the entire country.
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