On Wednesday 14 January, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander announced plans for the Northern Powerhouse Rail.
Yorkshire Universities (YU) has today welcomed the announcement by Government of new investment in transport infrastructure in Yorkshire, as part of a broader economic growth plan for the North of England. The announcement confirmed the delivery of major improvements under the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) initiative, intended to improve rail transport across the North through £45 billion worth of upgrades. Construction will commence in 2030 across Yorkshire, beginning with upgrades to the lines connecting Leeds, York, Bradford, and Sheffield.
Commenting on today’s announcements, Professor Charlie Jeffery, YU Chair and Vice-Chancellor of the University of York, said:
“There is huge, untapped potential in Yorkshire that can be unlocked by improving connectivity within the region. For too long, attempts to increase and sustain growth, and widen job opportunities, have been stifled by poor rail links. The decision to invest first in transport infrastructure in Yorkshire is welcome, and it represents an ambitious but realistic objective.”
“It is significant that today’s news on transport forms part of a wider economic plan, underpinned by a pledge to strengthen devolution, whilst driving more collaboration, and backed by a renewed commitment by Government to increase national investment in the North of England. Creating and attracting new jobs and businesses require an integrated, place-based, package of infrastructure, skills, research and innovation, enterprise, housing, regeneration, and financial capital. Universities in Yorkshire, with distinct and complementary assets and capabilities, and working under the umbrella of YU, stand ready to work together in partnership with Government, Mayors, local authorities, industry, and communities, to make these plans a success.”
