A blueprint for building the ‘northern powerhouse’ and boosting the economy of the North of England will set out plans to transform connectivity with a high-speed TransNorth rail system, a revitalised highways network and a host of other transport improvements.
Transport for the North (TfN), the body set up to identify how best to drive economic growth through strategic investment in transport, is unveiling its ambitious vision in a joint report with Government – ‘The Northern Powerhouse: One Agenda, One Economy, One North’.
The report includes details of a new TransNorth rail system that could radically reduce travel times and complement the investment into HS2. It also sets out how the North’s strategic road network could be enhanced through strategic planning, investment and technology, and better connections to ports, airports and key economic centres.
Sir Richard Leese, Chair of the TfN Partnership Board and leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Our vision is for a North which has a vibrant and growing economy, acts as a magnet for inward investment, and which capitalises on the strengths of the great cities of the North.
“Our cities are individually strong, and increasingly have the tools to grow, but by working together they can be stronger than the sum of their parts. But what is absolutely vital is securing long-term, cross-party support around our investment plans which run for at least the next 15 years, and the delivery can’t change with every election.
“This new report sets out a long-term investment plan in rail and the important relationship between HS2 and regional rail services as well as roads, ports, and airports – covering both passengers and freight.
“What it will deliver is a single market for people, goods and ideas that will empower the North to compete with the rest of the world and become an engine for growth in the UK.”
To achieve this, work will now begin to:
The new report was launched by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin at a meeting in Liverpool today (Friday, 20 March) with political and business leaders from across the North, representing key city regions including Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield and Newcastle, together with Hull and the Humber, the Highways Agency, Network Rail, and HS2 Ltd.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “This dynamic change, led by the Chancellor with northern leaders, transforms the way government looks at transport solutions for the North. No government has given such attention to the infrastructure of our great northern cities and how to deliver a world-class, integrated transport network for the north. The proposals announced today will reduce journey times while increasing capacity and connectivity, enabling growth.
“Creating a ‘northern powerhouse’ of jobs, investment and prosperity, is a key objective of the Government’s long term economic plan. We are planning for transport and growth in a new joined-up way. Today we set out a comprehensive strategy for the northern economy which will help the north pool its strengths. Transport for the North gives the north a powerful new voice.”
TfN was set up by the Government in October 2014. It is a unique partnership between the northern city region authorities, Government and the national transport agencies.
Chancellor George Osborne has said the creation of a ‘northern powerhouse’ is vital to rebalance the national economy, addressing the gap in economic performance between the North and London and the South East.
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said: “Connecting up the great cities of the North is at the heart of our plan to build a ‘northern powerhouse’. This report has the potential to revolutionise transport in the North and we will work closely with Transport for the North to help make it a reality.
“From backing high speed rail to introducing simpler fares right across the North, our ambitious plans for transport means we will deliver a truly national recovery where every part of the country will share in Britain’s prosperity.”
Treasury analysis has shown that rebalancing the UK economy would be worth an additional £56 billion in nominal terms to the northern economy, or £44 billion in real terms – equal to £1,600 per individual in the North – on top of the £290 billion the region already generates, rivalling the best trade centres in Europe.
To help deliver this, a £12.5 million development budget has been set to progress the proposals included in the report, which sets out the shared vision for the North’s transport infrastructure, integrating committed initiatives and schemes and identifying a host of new transformational priorities.
The initiatives, schemes and priorities to be developed, include options for:
To ensure these plans are carried forward, a clear governance structure and an independent Chair for TfN will be in place by autumn 2015, memorandums of understanding will be agreed with Network Rail, High Speed 2 Ltd and Highways England in spring 2015 and the strategy will be updated in spring 2016. The Government will also look to make a multi-year commitment of funding to TfN supporting the vision set out in the report.