Peaky Blinders creator calls HS2 ‘gamechanger’ for West Midlands

Steven Knight, who is building a film studio in Birmingham, says line is catalyst for activity as data shows £10bn boost to region

The Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight said HS2 has been a gamechanger for regeneration in the West Midlands, as data revealed the train line has created a £10bn economic boost to the region since it was given the green light.

A report by HS2 has found that within three “impact zones” close to the new line in the West Midlands, planning applications have increased by 66% since the project was given royal assent in 2017, four times higher than the rate outside the zones.