Cheshire East and Jacobs plc call for changes over infrastructure projects

Cheshire East Council and Jacobs plc, the parent company of the authority’s highways contractor, have called for a transformation in the way the UK handles the planning and delivery of infrastructure projects.

Together with Jacobs plc, the council wrote to Patrick McLoughlin, the transport secretary, to promote what it considered to be an ‘open book’ approach to the procurement and collaboration process.

They believe such changes would result in a significant boost for the Northern Powerhouse, the programme championed by Chancellor George Osborne that will see devolution in the North and various infrastructure improvements.

Council Leader Michael Jones believes that improved procurement and delivery would help the Northern Powerhouse initiative by attracting billions of pounds in investment from the private sector, in addition to job prospects in the region.

He commented: “Cheshire East is the gateway to the Northern Powerhouse and we are fully committed to playing our part in its success.

“Whilst the decision to postpone the Trans-Pennine electrification is disappointing, we see the Northern Powerhouse as not just about improving rail connectivity, which is very important, but also improving strategic road networks, ports and airports.”

Cllr Michael Jones added: “Billions of pounds’ worth of private and public investment is already starting to transform these opportunities. It is also about expanding the base of specialist manufacturing and science-based industries that already exist across the northern economy.”

Furthermore, Cheshire East thinks that a Crewe-based station on the new HS2 high-speed railway would accelerate its impact in the North and result in a major boost for jobs and housing in Cheshire and the surrounding areas.