Major Yorkshire projects show support to Institution of Civil Engineers scheme

One of the top engineering bodies to promote civil engineering and the continued investment in infrastructure is being backed by an array of high profile projects in West Yorkshire.

‘This is Civil Engineering’, a campaign launched by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), aims to show policymakers from all political parties the significance of long term investment in infrastructure and the economic benefits that it provides.

The £45m Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS), one of the largest river flood defence schemes in England, as well as the the construction of the Leeds Station Southern Entrance (LSSE) and the £750m residual waste treatment facility at South Kirkby, are all backing the cause.

Over the next decade, the FAS will safeguard 22,000 jobs, create 150 jobs and apprenticeships to work on the project. The LSSE, which is jointly promoted by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and Network Rail, is a £20m scheme.

Shanks Group plc, an international waste management firm, which is leading the residual waste treatment facility project, will create 60 permanent jobs, in addition to the 250 people recruited to work on the construction of the waste treatment facility, as part of the 10 year contract with Wakefield Council.

‘This is Civil Engineering’, which forms part of ICE’s wider ‘Commit to Infrastructure General Election’ campaign, hopes to remind that long term investment in infrastructure improves quality of life for the public, regenerates communities and creates jobs.

Penny Marshall, director of ICE Yorkshire and Humber, said: “Civil engineering forms the backbone of our communities. It protects us from flooding, ensures we have clean drinking water, finds clever ways to recycle and reuse our rubbish and provides us with the roads, railways, ports and airports that keep us on the move and connect us with others. It quite literally shapes the world in which we live.

“It is fantastic to see vital projects from the Yorkshire and Humber region getting involved in this campaign and helping to really shine a light on civil engineering and how it benefits us all.

“Of course the campaign also comes at a critical point in the electoral calendar, and we hope it will help to demonstrate to parties across the political spectrum, just how vital it is that infrastructure remains a central plank of their plans for growth and prosperity.”