A new railway line would “open up” the central Islington economy, as detailed plans emerged for the first time this week.

Transport for London and Network Rail plan to open a Crossrail 2 station at Angel, as part of a new line linking Surrey to Hertfordshire via central London.

And Michèle Dix, managing director of the project, said that with better transport links at Angel, it would provide job opportunities not currently open to people in Islington.

If approved, Crossrail 2 would be operational by 2030 at the earliest. At Angel, which is currently only served by the crowded Northen Line, there would be up to 30 extra trains an hour, easing congestion.

A public consultation for the latest design plans was held at Angel Central on Monday and Tuesday.

Ms Dix said: “This makes Angel much more connected - to places like Tottenham Court Road, Clapham Junction etc - in vastly reducing the present journey times.

“It means people will have many more job opportunities than at present, and similarly many more will be able to get to Angel. It opens up the economy for the area.”

To construct Crossrail 2 at Angel would require four proposed sites, including the Royal Bank of Scotland in Upper Street.

It was a u-turn on previous plans to demolish the historic Co-op buildings on Islington High Street, and Ms Dix said: “We put out proposals about where we could build the station and gain access to the tunnels. We had identified the Co-op buildings as part of that and people expressed concerns about losing those buildings.

“They were of special interest and working with the community, we have realigned the proposals further north in four less ‘objectionable’ locations, and people were more supportive.”

But Christine Lovett, chief executive of Angel Business Improvement District, was cautious.

She said: “We’re delighted to hear local landmarks won’t be destroyed but anxious that TfL are sensitive to the interests of businesses at the Angel.

“We shall be looking very carefully at pedestrian and traffic flow, and seeing if this is an opportunity to improve the current crossings on City and Pentonville Roads. It’s our job to make sure that businesses benefit at every stage.”

Consultation is open until January 8. Visit crossrail2.co.uk