Remakes have long been Hollywood’s way of breathing new life into older films, using technology, modern production techniques, and the occasional storyline adjustment. Sometimes they’re a hit, sometimes they miss the mark.
But remakes aren’t exclusive to movies - businesses do them too. Think of the Mini’s revival, the 1998 reintroduction of the iconic Beetle, or, if you’re old enough, the launch ‘New’ Coca - Cola in 1985, which ultimately faded into history by 2002.
There’s often a fine line between a remake, an update, a sequel (or prequel), and something so radically changed that it should be considered an entirely new product - yet still carries a familiar name as a nod to its heritage.
Remakes happen for various reasons, but most often, it’s about reviving the financial potential of the original (several of Disney’s live-action remakes have grossed over $1 billion) or attempting to improve on the past - though that, of course, is highly subjective.
So, what does this have to do with railways?
The Liverpool and Manchester Railway, which opened in 1830, was the world’s first intercity rail line. I regularly travel along part of this historic route (though certainly not on the original rails) during my daily commute from Newton-le-Willows to Manchester. It often makes me wonder, what would the original engineers and visionaries think if they saw the railway today? Still running, many of the original bridges and viaducts in place, fewer stations but the route is exactly the same.
As good as today’s services can be, the reality is that many rail lines across the UK are grappling with overcapacity and aging infrastructure. Decades of underinvestment are catching up, forcing difficult choices.
So, what’s the best approach?
Should we make incremental improvements, or should we take inspiration from our predecessors 200 years ago and start afresh - essentially a remake?
Right now, the answer seems to lean toward the latter. That’s the ambition behind the recently established Liverpool-Manchester Railway Board (LMRB), formed in May 2024 and partly inspired by the original 1830 project. Co-chaired by Mayors Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram, the LMRB’s vision is a brand-new, high-frequency, high-capacity line connecting Liverpool and Manchester via Warrington and Manchester Airport. Designed with passengers in mind, this railway would free up capacity on existing lines while integrating with West Coast Mainline services and routes extending east to Bradford, Leeds, and beyond.
At first glance, this might sound reminiscent of HS2, which was abruptly halted north of Birmingham in October 2023. Whatever your thoughts on this, the reality is clear: HS2 is no longer happening in the North. The original vision of Northern Powerhouse Rail - a transformative network linking major cities - has been significantly diluted. While investment is happening, such as the Trans-Pennine Route Upgrade, a long-term solution is still required.
The LMR proposal offers a way forward, but government backing is essential.
Earlier this week a letter of support for the scheme was sent to the Prime Minister and Chancellor, signed by the Chamber’s Presidential Team, urging them to ensure that LMR is included in the upcoming Spending Review and the new 10 year Infrastructure Strategy.
You see LMR isn’t just a railway, it will unlock jobs and growth both in its construction and as part of the UK’s strategic infrastructure. The latest LMR report explains all this in clear detail and can be accessed here.
Government should see this as a quick way to put their economic growth plans on track and also start to show the people in the north west that it means business.
The final paragraph of the letter of support sums it up best:
“We support growth, we support investment, and we support better opportunities for all. The communities we represent have seen too many opportunities unfulfilled and too many promises broken on too many occasions and we urge government to act now, invest in the future of the North – its people and its businesses – and turn this vision into reality.”
This could well be the ultimate remake. 200 years after the original a new Liverpool – Manchester Railway gets built and, as dramatic as the results were then, so they will be again. We just need government to understand this, recognise the potential, secure its place in future funding plans and help build an investment legacy recapturing the spirit of those early decision makers. Then stay clear and let the experts get on with the job.