Realising the opportunities of major rail projects
Description:
This session focused on the opportunities presented by major rail infrastructure projects such as High Speed 2, East West Rail and Northern Powerhouse Rail. Several towns in the Towns Fund will be affected by these projects, whether this be a new station, depot or railway line. This session looked at the current status of these projects in their lifecycle, and discuss opportunities and advice to get people, businesses and towns ready for these schemes when they arrive. It was also discussed what can be done now to prepare for these long-term projects and how this can be articulated in your Town Investment Plan.
About the speakers:
Richard de Cani chaired the session. Richard is a recognised senior leader of planning and Transport, with a strong track record of strategic thinking and delivery with in-depth knowledge of the transport/planning issues facing cities and city regions. He brings together a unique combination of senior client-side experience from Transport for London, with direct experience of leading many of the new transport and planning initiatives in London and the UK over the past decade.
Tom Bridges discussed ‘getting our businesses ready’. Tom leads Arup’s Cities Advisory practice, advising on town, city and regional strategies for economic development, inclusive growth, infrastructure, skills and innovation. He supports clients on funding and finance, socio-economic advice, housing growth, regeneration programmes and town and city strategies.
Peter Neckelmann focused on ‘getting our towns ready’. Peter is an Architect and Urban Designer with global experience with projects focused particularly in the UK, Europe and Asia. Peter’s projects focus on the development of resilient places that deliver positive spatial, social and economic outcomes. Much of his recent work looks at the integration of regional and national transport infrastructure and how it contributes to regeneration and meaningful placemaking.
Richard Hadfield presented on ‘getting our people ready’. Richard has 25 years’ experience in the technology sector including senior roles and consulting positions working with government departments and agencies (e.g. Department for Education, Cabinet Office, Skills Funding Agency, Medical Research Council, Ofsted, Jisc), UK Parliament, UK universities, research institutes and further education colleges. He has worked with over 30 UK universities and further education colleges in developing shared services and examining the impact of their teaching and learning and research work.