Following a meeting this afternoon with the Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP and representatives from the BML2 Consortium, Simon Kirby, Member of Parliament for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven is pleased that the Transport Secretary has agreed to look at a more detailed feasibility study for the BML2 project when the Consortium can provide more information later this year.

During the meeting the BML2 Consortium suggested that the project could be 100% privately funded.

Simon said, “I was pleased to arrange today’s meeting and feel that it is definitely a step in the right direction. This project would bring significant advantages and benefits to Brighton and the surrounding area. It would ease pressure on the congested Brighton to London commuter line, would boost tourism and visitor numbers to the area and would bring more jobs and economic opportunity.  I also welcome the prospect of direct train services between London and the AMEX Stadium.”  

The project plans for the creation of a new route up to Canary Wharf which will support the increasing population and economy of the South East by meeting capacity needs as well as taking off the pressure from the existing line, making it easier to carry out maintenance.

Plans include the return of the single track railway that terminates at Uckfield to two-track railway and connections to Lewes, Brighton and Tunbridge Wells re-instated and completed. The construction of the Ashcombe tunnel under the South Downs would provide fast direct access to Brighton via Falmer.