Transport for the North unveils £70bn proposals to ‘transform’ North’s economy

Transport for the North has launched its vision for the future of the North’s economy, unveiling draft proposals for northern infrastructure for the next 30 years.

The Strategic Transport Plan (STP) and the Investment Programme sets out how £70bn of investment to 2050 could contribute towards an additional £100bn in economic growth for the North’s economy, creating 850,000 jobs.

The proposals aim to improve connectivity for people and businesses, making it easier to move goods to, from and within the North; as well as increase spending on strategic transport by around £50 per person in the North each year to 2050.

The STP also wants to launch other flagship programmes such as Northern Powerhouse Rail; upgrade and create major roads; enhance existing rail network; and continue to roll out of smart ticketing.

The next stage is for the plans to be considered by Transport for the North’s Board, who will meet on Thursday 7 February in Chester.

Subject to approval, the plans will be officially launched by Transport for the North on Monday 11 February in Sheffield at Transport for the North’s Inaugural Conference.

From 11 February onwards, these proposals will become Transport for the North’s statutory advice to Government on what the ongoing priorities are for “enhancing sustainable and inclusive connectivity across the North.”

Barry White, chief executive at Transport for the North, said: “The Strategic Transport Plan is a hugely important document for the North. It is our vision for a prosperous pan-Northern future and outlines how investment in transport could transform our economy.

“Our Investment Programme outlines how an additional investment of around £50 per person in the North, per year, could play a part in unlocking a £100bn increase in economic activity and create 850,000 new jobs.

“For the people of the North, this will mean more choice over where they live and work, access to higher quality jobs and better connections to friends and families. It will mean our businesses have more opportunity to collaborate, trade and grow in a sustainable way.

“This final Plan will be a statutory document written by the North, for the North, and will be our blueprint to deliver transformational change and leave a legacy for future generations.”