Mayor Boris Johnson has announced the creation of a Crossrail 2 Growth Commission which will bring together council leaders, businesses and developers to ensure the proposed rail link boosts London’s jobs market and delivers up to 200,000 new homes.
The £20bn project would run from Cheshunt in Hertfordshire to Epsom in Surrey, passing through Clapham Junction, Victoria and Tottenham Court Road.
Although ministers have yet to give permission for the scheme they have agreed to safeguard its route pending a final decision.
City Hall says the project would support the construction of 200,000 new homes, helping the capital meet the needs of its growing population, and help alleviate overcrowding on existing rail and Tube services.
It’s also expected to support 60,000 full time jobs in addition to providing 18,000 jobs during its construction.
Speaking on Friday, Mayor Johnson said: “Major projects take time to plan and prepare and with Crossrail 1 nearing completion, we must move quickly to the next transformational growth project which could see even more benefits delivered.
“Crossrail 2 will support up to 200,000 more homes and jobs, adding billions of pounds to the national economy and ensuing a prosperous future for the whole country.”
The new commission will be chaired by Sir Merrick Cockell, former Leader of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and former Chairman of the Local Government Association.
Sir Merrick said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the Chairman of the Crossrail 2 Growth Commission.
“This new railway is imperative to the future growth of the Capital and across the UK and the Growth Commission will play a key role in helping ensure local development plans along the route meet their full potential.”
