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Jul 2025
14m 38s

Derailed: The Story of HS2: 2. Mutually ...

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode
<p>As the designs for HS2 took shape, the new team behind it set out to prove its value to Ministers and MPs. But as Kate hears, long term flaws were being baked into the project, with an economic justification that centred on outdated assumptions. And, as the designers sought to make the justification, they adjusted the design - making it more expensive. Th ... Show More
Up next
Jul 2025
Derailed: The Story of HS2: 3. That can’t be right
As specific plans for HS2 were announced, protestors quickly sprang into action, forming campaigning groups and arguing for the line to be fundamentally re-thought. They saw HS2 as an industrial eyesore rammed through the heart of some of Britain’s most beautiful countryside. Com ... Show More
14m 50s
Jul 2025
Derailed: The Story of HS2: 4. Well Done Geoffrey
To deal with the growing opposition, the government resolved to commit to HS2 by way of a hybrid bill, which would open up opportunities for local communities to object to the route. The original design became mired in hundreds of expensive mitigations, compromises and compensati ... Show More
14m 47s
Jul 2025
Derailed: The Story of HS2: 5. Worry About the Detail Later
As HS2 began the process of lining up land along its route for purchase, individuals within the team became deeply concerned. They feared that HS2 was wildly underestimating the eventual costs associated with acquiring the land, as well as the shortage of available specialists an ... Show More
15 m
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