Rachel Reeves to bolster North East transport by almost £3bn
The chancellor is set to pledge £15bn of funding for mayoral authorities across the UK at a conference in Manchester today, including £1bn for Teesside and £1.85bn for Tyne and Wear.
Ahead of the government’s spending review next week, Reeves is expected to highlight how “a Britain that is better off cannot rely on a handful of places forging ahead of the rest of the country,” underlining the devolved powers that now exist throughout England.
The £978m investment in Teesside will go towards a new platform three at Middlesbrough train station, increasing the capacity of journeys provided to commuters; the redevelopment of the town’s bus station; a tram network connecting Teesside Airport and the region’s towns; a new station at Teesside Park, and improvements to the A66 and A689.
As for Tyne and Wear, the previously-promised and soon-to-be confirmed £1,85bn package would be put towards a new Metro line connecting Washington with Sunderland city centre, at an estimated cost of £900m.
Located along the northern part of the former Leamside Line, the project is projected to start operating in 2033 and will be partly funded by private investment and will be operated by Nexus.
The line will help connect people to the nearby International Advanced Manufacturing Park and the Nissan factory, creating job opportunities.
Money will also be allocated towards upgrading infrastructure such as highways, walking and cycling routes, and implementing an ‘Angel Network’, which would allow people to easily travel on buses, Metros, and trains using contactless smart technology.
The package is being touted as the largest investment in public transport in the UK’s history.
Highlights from the rest of the package have a heavy focus on tram networks in the North, including £2.1bn towards West Yorkshire’s Mass Transit system, £2.5bn for Greater Manchester for further tram improvements, £1.5bn to South Yorkshire, part of which will be spent on renewing its tram network, and £2bn to design a new mass transit system in the East Midlands.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We’ve been tirelessly making the case for this money, announced by the previous Government, to come to us.
“I’m pleased our message has hit home – and it means we can get on and deliver on our list of absolutely vital transport projects – agreed by Cabinet – to secure growth and jobs for people across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.
“We’ve already taken action to transform our major stations at Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Darlington – and it’s great to see the Government sit up and recognise we can deliver.
“Unlocking another £1bn of funding will allow us to get on and bringing the better roads, better stations and better transport links we deserve. This will not only make life easier every day for more people, but boost trade and supercharge the huge investments and projects we have coming on-line.
“From a cutting-edge tram network, to sorting out our stations and getting a new Tees Crossing done, this is a big step forward to getting even more spades in the ground and helping to deliver growth across our area.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “I am thrilled to say we can now get on with the job of building the first new Metro line for 30 years, at last connecting Washington to the rail network and linking tens of thousands of people to new jobs and opportunity in our growing advanced manufacturing sector.
“This is a game-changing moment for the people of our region, who can look forward to a truly world-class integrated public transport network, safer walking and cycling routes throughout our towns and cities, better local roads and a massive acceleration on our journey to an EV future.”
