Does HS2 deliver net economic benefits to the West Midlands despite its costs?

HS2 is the UK's biggest infrastructure project, originally planned to connect London to Leeds and Manchester but now limited to Birmingham after northern sections were cancelled. Despite delays, overspends, and criticism as a mismanaged project, HS2 Ltd claims it will add £10bn to the West Midlands economy over the next decade through jobs and investment. Developers are building over £200m in housing near Birmingham's Curzon Street station, attributing confidence to HS2 and related infrastructure.