The increase in rail capacity and economic benefits released by building a high speed rail network will be felt right across the West Midlands.

Geoff Inskip, chief executive of Centro, said an independent survey by KPMG concluded that building High Speed Two from London to Birmingham would bring 22,000 jobs to the West Midlands and an increase in economic output worth £1.5 billion per year.

“High Speed Rail would release rail capacity and bring jobs right across the region, so it’s important people do not gain the false impression that the benefits are focused on major cities alone,” he said.

Mr Inskip said the allocation of new services across the West Midlands - thanks to increased capacity unlocked by the HS2 network - would be vital to the region’s future prosperity.

The KPMG report concluded that HS2 alone would bring 10,000 jobs to the West Midlands and an increase in economic output of £600 million. But, combined with regional and local rail enhancements, the West Midlands would benefit from 22,000 jobs and an increase in economic output worth £1.5 billion per year.

“We welcome the fact that the report recognises just how important the allocation of these new regional services will be,” said Mr Inskip.

“Growth of 35% is forecast on the West Coast main line between Birmingham and London by 2020, so we must release capacity on our increasingly crowded rail network.

“We need a local and regional rail network that allows our businesses not just to compete, but to thrive both nationally and internationally. Only HS2 can deliver this level of capacity.”

Under Centro proposals stations including Wolverhampton, Coventry, Walsall and Sandwell & Dudley would receive new services.

Information from Go-HS2, an alliance of West Midlands businesses and public sector bodies supporting high speed rail.