North West transport and housebuilding in Chancellor’s sights

The North West will receive Government backing for key transport and housing schemes, the Chancellor confirmed in her Budget today.

She revealed that Labour is securing the delivery of the Transpennine rail upgrade to connect York, Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester.

Alongside this, she said the Government will also deliver fully electric local and regional services between Manchester and Stalybridge by the end of this year, to help grow the economy across the North of England with faster and more reliable services.

And she pledged a much needed improvement in capacity at Manchester Victoria rail station, as well as electrifying the Wigan to Bolton line.

On the roads, she set a new £3 fare cap on each journey for bus services, following the ending of the £2 cap this December, set by the previous Government.

Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, earlier this week confirmed that he will maintain the £2 fare cap for passengers, although it will be subject to a review after six months.

A huge boost was handed to Manchester-based developer, Peel, for its plans at Liverpool Central Docks when the Chancellor unveiled her plans to boost house building and support local house builders.

The decision to approve a £56m investment from Homes England will deliver 2,350 new homes at the brownfield waterfront site.

The funding will also support the creation of a new public park and vital infrastructure. 

In July, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet agreed to enter into an agreement with Homes England to accept Brownfield Infrastructure Land grant funding and act as accountable body on behalf of Peel Waters to deliver site infrastructure and follow-on development.

The key infrastructure within the 10.5-hectare scheme, which comprises underground utilities, roads, pavements, public park, green spaces, and public amenities, will lay the groundwork for future investments and the development of a diverse mix of new housing in addition to commercial, community, retail and leisure facilities. 20% of the new homes planned at Central Docks will be affordable.

Chris Capes, Development Director of Liverpool Waters, said: “The challenges faced when regenerating brownfield sites means collaboration and partnerships like this are vital. This is a great example of central, regional and local government working alongside the private sector to kick-start regeneration, attract inward investment, and deliver much needed new homes.

“Investment by Homes England in this infrastructure will help lever in at least 10 times the amount from the private sector, leading to the complete transformation of the Central Docks neighbourhood and the creation of an inclusive, distinctive and healthy new community.

“Work will start immediately on final stage designs, surveys and site preparation, with the main works starting next spring.”

Peter Denton, Chief Executive of Homes England, said: “Following the signing of our Strategic Place Partnership last month, this funding is further evidence of our commitment to the Liverpool City Region.” 

Leader of Liverpool City Council, Cllr Liam Robinson, said: “Peel Waters’ Central Docks is a hugely ambitious brownfield regeneration scheme and I’m delighted it has the support of our Government. It underlines the growing confidence to deliver at scale and quality in Liverpool.”

Labour is a devout supporter of devolution and during her Budget speech the Chancellor also said that both Greater Manchester and the West Midlands will benefit from integrated settlements from next year, giving both mayors more financial control.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “We thank the Chancellor for the huge vote of confidence in devolution in Greater Manchester by confirming the move to a new funding relationship with Whitehall in the form of an integrated settlement from next April.

“This will mean we can now go further and faster, accelerating the growth we are seeing in our economy and the improvements we are making in the lives of our residents.”

She also announced that the Innovation Accelerator Programme will be extended in Manchester.