Decision details

Central Trans-Pennine Corridor
East - West Connectivity: An Economic Study

Decision status: Information Only

Is Key decision?: No

Decisions:

Stephen Miles and Martin Revill of Cushman & Wakefield/Systra, gave a presentation on the potential benefits of improving east-west connectivity along the Trans-Pennine corridor between Lancashire and North and West Yorkshire.

 

The economic study focused on east-west Trans-Pennine transport links and the nature of the wider economic benefits that could arise if transport connectivity and capacity in this 'central' Trans-Pennine corridor were to be significantly enhanced. The study showed that both road and rail would have a critical role to play in supporting economic growth trajectories and ambitions.

 

The Committee noted that besides reduced centre to centre travel times by both rail and road, wider benefits would include increased agglomeration potential, enhanced productivity and the ability to attract new growth sectors, improved access to labour markets and job creation, and hence GVA uplift.

 

The Committee also noted the potential impacts on the relevant Strategic Economic Plans and Growth Deals within the corridor together with the impact on other major growth initiatives of relevance such as the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal and Local Plans.

 

The Committee was informed that there was a clear quantitative and qualitative economic case for enhanced East-West connectivity. This would create a corridor of opportunity, a major economic driver of the wider Northern and UK economies, and has the strategic potential to shape Transport for North’s investment priorities.

 

The presenters responded to a number of questions raised by the Committee in relation to the area covered by the study, the wider economic impacts model and the modelled scenarios as illustrated in the presentation.

Members thanked Stephen and Martin for their presentation and noted that the results of the economic study would also be presented to the LEP Board at its meeting on the 31 January 2017.

 

Resolved: That the presentation be noted.

 

Divisions Affected: (All Divisions);

Date of decision: 11/01/2017

Decided at meeting: 11/01/2017 - LEP - Transport for Lancashire Committee