The final version of the report detailing the transport infrastructure required to deliver growth in Core Cities has been published today, updating the interim report published in July 2011. The research, commissioned by Core Cities and conducted by ARUP and Volterra, outlines the transport infrastructure requirements both within and between the Core Cities, to deliver 1 million more jobs across their Local Enterprise Partnership areas.
The report provides strong national and international evidence that economic growth outside London and the South East is largely dependent on improved transport capacity and infrastructure, to reshape England’s economic geography, creating more coherent and powerful economic zones across the country.
Pointing to a compelling link between transport and prosperity, the report highlights new research that suggests that the best case growth scenario for the Core Cities will result in increased rail demand of at least 70% from 2010-2030. This will necessitate a significant increase in infrastructure investment to support this growth. If investment does not take place, then this growth will be jeopardised.
The report finds that HSR and HS2, as well as investment in existing and local transport networks, is critical to achieving this 'best case' jobs growth forecast for Core Cities. Without this investment, the need for additional capacity will not be addressed adequately.
The report recommends that plans for HSR are part of a wider, integrated, national strategy for rail or transport. Furthermore, it argues that current analytical approaches used for evaluating transport projects do not capture transformational and regeneration impacts on areas, and recommends a new approach to assessing the economic benefits of long distance rail projects in the UK.
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The report can be found in the 'Latest Publications' section
Press enquiries to:
Chris Murray
07780 664257