Member Article

Yorkshire & Humber projects part of £36 billion infrastructure investment

Yorkshire and Humber projects are to be part of a £36 billion infrastructure investment by the government.

The Sheffield Lower Don Valley flood defence schemes and the A1 Barton to Leeming motorway upgrade in North Yorkshire, which will reduce journey times by 20% are included in the investment.

This is in addition to the £120 million that the Communities Secretary Eric Pickles announced today would help the Sheffield region.

Other projects include:

• Keadby Windfarm
• Grimsby Docks Phase 1 as part of the flood defence schemes
• North Yorkshire broadband
• Leeds Train Station Southern access
• Access York Park and Ride

Various other road and rail developments are listed here.

The total £36 billion inestment is made up of £5 billion public investment, £21 billion private investment and £10 billion in joint public and private investment

According to the government, the projects could support over 150,000 jobs in construction and many thousands more in other sectors following completion.

This includes the start of a £38 billion programme of rail spending over the next five years.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Ensuring Britain has first class infrastructure is a crucial part of our long term economic plan: supporting business, creating jobs and providing a better future for hardworking people.

“As a crucial part of our long-term economic plan, this Government is backing business with better infrastructure so that more jobs and opportunities are created for hardworking people, meaning more financial security and peace of mind for families.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said: “As part of our long term economic plan we are investing in infrastructure around the country to create a more balanced, resilient economy.

“Because of the tough decisions we have taken in day to day spending, we can prioritise public investment where it is most needed and create the right conditions for private investment in infrastructure where it brings value for the taxpayer.

“So this year over 200 new projects worth an estimated £36 billion are due to start, creating thousands of jobs, securing future growth and delivering the world class infrastructure Britain deserves.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .