Fact Check: "Construction of HS2 bat shed includes £95 million for the structure alone."
What We Know
The claim regarding the cost of the HS2 bat shed has been a topic of discussion, particularly in light of the environmental regulations surrounding the project. According to the chairman of HS2, Sir John Thompson, the overall cost for a shield designed to protect bats in ancient woodlands is approximately £100 million, which includes various associated costs beyond just the structure itself (BBC).
Recent reports indicate that the expected cost for the bat shed structure alone was initially estimated at £95 million in 2019, with inflation adjustments bringing the figure to approximately £119 million by January 2025 (New Civil Engineer). As of early 2025, £65.5 million had already been spent on the project (New Civil Engineer). The bat shed is designed to protect several bat species, including the Bechstein’s bat, which is considered one of the rarest in the world (BBC).
Analysis
The claim that "construction of HS2 bat shed includes £95 million for the structure alone" is partially true. The £95 million figure refers to the initial estimate for the bat shed structure, but this cost has been revised upward due to inflation and additional requirements, leading to an expected total cost of over £119 million by 2025 (New Civil Engineer).
The reliability of the sources is generally high, as they come from reputable news outlets and official statements from HS2 Ltd. The BBC is known for its journalistic standards, and the New Civil Engineer provides industry-specific insights, making both sources credible. However, it's important to note that the figures can be subject to change due to ongoing construction and regulatory processes, which can complicate cost assessments (New Civil Engineer).
Critics of the HS2 project, including government officials, have labeled the costs associated with the bat shed as "ludicrous," suggesting that the regulatory environment may be overly burdensome (New Civil Engineer). This indicates a potential bias in the discussion surrounding the costs, as it reflects frustration with the planning and environmental consent processes rather than an objective assessment of the necessity of the bat shed itself.
Conclusion
The claim that the construction of the HS2 bat shed includes £95 million for the structure alone is Partially True. While the initial estimate was indeed £95 million, the ongoing costs and adjustments due to inflation and project modifications have raised the expected total significantly. Therefore, while the claim captures a part of the truth, it does not reflect the current understanding of the costs associated with the bat shed.
