We ask Birmingham: Are Brummies really worried that HS2 will cause Londoners to take over the city?

The HS2 rail line is set to bring journey times between Birmingham and London down to 49 minutes when it’s finally launched. Some have speculated many Londoners will flock to Birmingham when it’s up and running - with some claiming that Brummies are worried about their home city being overtaken by Londoners.

Cheaper property prices and rents in Birmingham compared to London are the chief reason behind the claims and with working from home looking like it’s here to stay, some believe Britain’s biggest city outside London could be come a commuter city for the capital.

Property consultant Reiss Mayhill, from Belvoir which is based in Birmingham City Centre, told My London: “Some Londoners have already made their way to Birmingham and are way ahead of the curve in anticipating Birmingham becoming a commuter city. Birmingham will become a commuter city, once people start seeing the value for money difference [between London and Birmingham].”

Birmingham has become one of the fastest transforming cities in Europe in recent years with a host of skyscrapers springing up offering office space as well as homes - and more developments promised. Digbeth in particular is seeing a lot of regenration currently with the tram line being extended along the High Street.

Londoners have a long history of relocating to Birmingham. In 2016 figures showed that more than 6,000 people left the capital for Brum - more than anywhere else in the UK, the BBC reported - with the second, third and fourth choices being within 50 miles of London, namely Brighton, Thurrock and Epping Forest

So we asked Brummies if they reallky are concerned about their city will becoming an extension of the capital city. And with delays plagued HS2’s development over the years and costs soaring since it was originally proposed - how do people here in Birmingham feel about it at this point?

Paul says: “I have no fears of Londoners taking over Birmingham. Eddie Fewtrell saw them off years ago. London’s London, Birmingham’s Birmingham.” Eddy says: “I personally think it’ll balance itself out and actually an influx of thinking and of money - I think it’ll be a two way process. The influx of ideas, money thinking and other ways of doing new ways of doing things, innovation will be very positive for Birmingham.”

Codie says: “I think it was a good idea at first, but I think they are dragging it out a little bit now to be honest. I think there’s more important things to be spending money on at the moment rather than keep delaying.”

Paul add: “My thoughts on HS2 is it’s a waste of money. If I’m realistic. The government should look at investing more in the roads - more people drive. Public transport is unreliable.

“To save yourself 20 minutes HS2 for the expenditure is ridiculous. And that money should have been spent on education and health, rather than this waste of money to keep people in London and the south happy.”