If the underground station option were to be deemed deliverable, it could unlock significant land value in the city; it would then be reasonable to expect contributions to the cost from local government and local businesses. We recommend that this expectation should form part of a renewed, transparent conversation about the risks and benefits of the underground station option between Transport for Greater Manchester, Manchester City Council and the Department for Transport.

If the underground station option were to be deemed deliverable, it could unlock significant land value in the city; it would then be reasonable to expect contributions to the cost from local government and local businesses. We recommend that this expectation should form part of a renewed, transparent conversation about the risks and benefits of the underground station option between Transport for Greater Manchester, Manchester City Council and the Department for Transport. Type: recommendation | Number: 17 | Paragraph: 69 | Response status: not_addressed Government response: The Government notes this recommendation and has continued to engage with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Manchester City Council (MCC). An underground station would significantly add to the cost of the Crewe to Manchester scheme and delay the opening of the Western Leg into Manchester b