Important Notice: CEF/BLEF Phase 2a
Following the government announcement on the 4 October 2023 that Phase 2a of HS2 has been cancelled, the Funds for Phase 2a are now closed.
If you have any questions about this, please contact hs2funds@groundwork.org.uk
Following Royal Assent of Phase 2a in February 2021, £5 million was made available through CEF and BLEF for applications from communities experiencing disruption from the construction of Phase 2a of HS2. A further £2 million was made available through the Biodiversity Investment Fund for projects to enhance Biodiversity through the creation or restoration of ecological habitats. Phase 2a is the line of route running from Fradley in the West Midlands to Crewe in Cheshire.
This interactive map shows the route. The Environmental Statements provide further information about the areas experiencing disruption from Phase 2a construction. You can also find more date specific information on HS2s Common Place websites.
Find out more about the funding opportunities below.
The Community and Environment Fund
The Community and Environment Fund (CEF) has been created to add benefit to communities along the route that are demonstrably disrupted by the construction of Phase 2a of HS2.
The Business and Local Economy Fund
The Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF) has been created to support local economies that are demonstrably disrupted by the construction of Phase 2a of HS2.
The Biodiversity Investment Fund
The Biodiversity Investment Fund (BIF) has been designed to fund projects aiming to improve the quality of biodiversity along the line of the Phase 2a route through the restoration of existing habitats or the creation of new habitats.
