The opening of the HS2 link between Birmingham and London has been pushed back, adding fuel to an already heated national debate.
Optimism for the project was dampened just before Christmas 2025 when CEO Mark Wild confirmed the Government’s admission that opening the line by 2033 “cannot be achieved”.
HS2 has since acknowledged that its ambition to have trains running between Birmingham and London at any point between 2029 and 2033 is no longer realistic.
The delay raises renewed questions about the project’s viability, cost, and long-term benefits.
The ongoing controversy has now become the focus of a project examining public opinion on the high-speed rail service.
First-year students from Birmingham City University’s School of English and Media set out to investigate how people really feel about the promise, problems and potential impact of HS2.
Through original research, interviews, and public vox pops, the students explored the depth and diversity of public feeling surrounding the project.
Their work resulted in an audio documentary titled Next Stop HS2, hosted by Media Production student Joel Ameh.
Produced for Birmingham Eastside Radio, the documentary offers a local perspective on one of the UK’s most controversial infrastructure projects. Next Stop HS2 can now be heard on Birmingham Eastside Radio or on demand via Mixcloud: