£500 million transport scheme to include train line improvements through Kettering

Today, Transport Secretary Justine Greening has announced a £500 million scheme to complete the electrification of the Midland Main Line route between Sheffield and London, passing through Kettering and the rest of the East Midlands.

The announcement will help to deliver Kettering Borough Council’s ambitions of generating higher quality, higher density jobs in the area by making the Borough more accessible to companies seeking to locate to an area which has excellent transport links with London and the North.  

Transport secretary Justine Greening MP said: "These plans to increase capacity and shorten journey times on intercity, commuter and freight services are, alongside our plans for high-speed rail, absolutely key to securing our country's prosperity in the decades ahead."

Christopher Lamb, Kettering Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning and Growth said: “There are already plans in place to provide more high quality business parks within the Borough which will facilitate companies who want to expand and grow.  Jobs growth is essential for the area and the announcement today will provide another key element of the Borough Council’s plans to deliver responsible and sustainable growth.”

Russell Roberts, Leader of Kettering Borough Council said: "I am delighted that all of the efforts which collectively we have made to secure this investment have paid off for the area.  Borough Councillors, County Councillors and our local MP have all played significant roles in lobbying central government on behalf of local people.”

He added:

“The upgrading and electrification of the midland main line will be of immense benefit to Kettering and the whole of the East Midlands growth area.  It will mean shorter journey times for passengers and increased capacity both now and into the future.  There should also be an estimated £450 million of wider economic benefit for the region.   This really is a tremendous achievement."

Philip Hollobone, Member of Parliament for Kettering said:

“The upgrade to, and electrification of, the Midland Mainline is great news for Kettering and should mean more, faster, more efficient and quieter trains. This will be good news for our local economy and should mean the re-introduction of a half-hourly service from Kettering going north - and faster one stop trains to and from London.”

Cllr Tom Beattie Leader of Corby Borough Council said: -

“Confirmation of the upgrade and electrification of the Midland Main Line is fantastic news for Corby and is another successful step forward in the Borough's improved infrastructure. This news comes on the same day the Borough's population figures have been announced, which highlights Corby's growth, so we are very pleased that these improvements will provide our residents and visitors with a quicker and more reliable way to travel to and from the Borough and will compliment the regeneration that continues to take place.”