The wider spatial-economic impacts of high-speed trains: a comparative case study of Manchester and Lille sub-regions

► Evidence for the wider impacts of high-speed trains within post-industrial regions. ► The transformation of post-industrial regions proves a complex and difficult process. ► The arrival of HSTs assisted developing the knowledge economy in both regions, but the effects vary on specific aspects. ► The differential effects existed between the core and peripheral sub-regions, especially former industrial sub-regions.