January Newsletter: Luton-Bedford-Corby call for evidence launched!
Call for evidence on connectivity between Luton, Bedford and Corby
England’s Economic Heartland has launched a ‘call for evidence’ to inform the development of our final connectivity study 'Luton - Bedford - Corby'.
The connectivity studies are an important part of EEH’s work programme, developing an evidence base that shows what the most effective connectivity solutions are for key corridors across the region.
They will be used to shape investment proposals going forward. The studies are guided by the policies set out in the EEH transport strategy and steered by our local authority partners.
To ensure we have a full understanding of this corridor, we are welcoming submissions from interested parties on what they feel the key issues and interventions are between Luton, Bedford and Corby. You can submit your views via a short survey on our website. The call for evidence is open between 29 January to 29 February.
Join us for the STB Conference 2024
The 2024 Sub-national Transport Body annual conference is at Manchester Central on 28 February.
Supported by the Department for Transport, the STB Conference brings together England’s seven STBs to speak with one voice and showcase where they add value and their role in enabling outcomes-focused and place-orientated transport investment decisions while facilitating joined up delivery.
The programme includes expert panels tackling several wicked challenges around electric vehicle transition, freight, rural connectivity, alongside updates from infrastructure owners. Throughout the programme are fascinating project case studies covering projects which are being delivered, including Ely Junction and East West Rail.
The conference is the main component on the second day of the two-day Interchange programme, which also includes:
Interchange Annual Conference, including the Places Hub, Google Prism Hub and roundtables
Transforming Infrastructure Performance Live Conference (TIP Live)
ITS UK Annual Conference
A single free registration gives access to all these amazing programmes across the two days
Minister responds to letter urging action on Ely
The Minister of State for Rail has responded to a joint letter from across the private and public sectors which welcomes government's commitment to upgrading Ely and urges funding to be released as soon as possible so that its benefits can be realised for the country.
The letter, co-ordinated by EEH and signed by many of the contributors to our Keeping Trade on Track brochure with Transport East, lists six core reasons why prioritising Ely's delivery would benefit the UK.
In response, minister Huw Merriman MP, said DfT is currently engaging with the Treasury to understand when funding will be made available for progressing the Ely Area Capacity Enhancements and Haughley Junction schemes.
Investment in Ely was highlighted by government as it announced its target to grow rail freight by at least 75% by 2050.
The government said the rail freight target will encourage further private sector investment in projects that will grow and modernise the industry, such as GB Railfreight’s new state-of-the-art maintenance facility in Peterborough, which was officially opened by the Transport Secretary in September 2023.
Huge Mercedes expansion set to create hundreds of skilled jobs and millions in investment in Northamptonshire.
The expansion of Mercedes-AMG Petronas headquarters has been approved by West Northamptonshire Council.
The headquarters, currently the base of the Mercedes Formula one team, is expected to create millions in economic investment and over 500 skilled jobs in Brackley.
The proposals aim to create a parkland campus, introduce facilities for Mercedes employees and help expand operations which could further diversification of jobs and expansion of the workforce. The proposals also include works to mitigate traffic and unsafe parking in the area and improve a cycle route.
Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth said: "These plans promise fantastic opportunities for economic growth and inward investment in Brackley and support our strive to be a leader in driving innovation while supporting business growth and building a strong, responsive and thriving local economy.
This development is likely to generate around 500 new full-time jobs with a predicted expenditure of approximately £70m which would further feed into the local economy and create additional full time jobs during construction. Our Economic Growth & Inward Investment Team have been working closely with Mercedes to deliver impactful benefits to the local labour market, including local recruitment, school engagement and more." News of interest from the region
Outline Business Case submitted for Peterborough Station Quarter- Peterborough City Council
Launch of all-electric bus fleet to service Oxford passengers - Oxfordshire County Council
Government to reduce the impact of disruptive street works, cut congestion and improve roads
The government has announced new proposals from the Plan for Drivers to reduce the impact of street works on road users and local communities.
The measures includes increased fines for utility companies whose work overruns and would provide more funding to improve roads and repair potholes.
The plan also can help boost active travel, preventing street works from disrupting walking, wheeling and cycling and provide opportunities to improve pavements, crossings and cycle lanes.
Transport Secretary, Mark Harper said: "Our new proposals seek to free up our roads from overrunning street works, cut down traffic jams and generate up to £100 million extra to resurface roads up and down the country."
Have a job opportunity you would like to promote?
Job opportunities in the Heartland.
Technical Lead (Freight and Logistics), Oxfordshire County Council, Closing: 29/01/24
Senior Highway Development Engineer, Peterborough City Council, Closing: 04/02/24
Technical Lead (Air Quality and Partnership), Oxfordshire County Council, Closing: 09/02/24
Public Transport Officer, West Northamptonshire Council, Closing: 11/02/24
Highway Asset Manager, Swindon Borough Council, Closing: 18/02/24
Senior Officer (TRO and Schemes), Oxfordshire County Council, Closing: 23/02/24
To keep updated with job opportunities and careers in transport view our dedicated website page.
If you're an EEH partner and have a job opportunity you'd like to share through this newsletter, please contact Erin Pitcher: [email protected]
Register now for DAFNI Webinar Series
Join DAFNI online on 28th February where Professor Robert Nicholls will give a talk on 'OpenCLIM: Open CLimate Impacts Modelling framework'.
OpenCLIM is a pilot study combining climate and socio-economic scenarios with state-of-the-art models for integrated assessment.
This approach uses consistent assumptions to map UK climate risks to cities, crops, biodiversity, heat stress, flooding, drought and water supply.
Find out more and register now
Dates for your diary
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