“The north needs immediate and very significant investment for action now and a plan for longer term transformation to reduce journey times, increase capacity and improve reliability.”
Those are the words of the National Infrastructure Commission, which published a report in March 2016, High Speed North, arguing forcefully that if the north truly is to become an economic powerhouse, it has to be better connected. The commission, headed by Lord Adonis, says better transport is part of a wider economic goal for the region.
“Improving connectivity between the cities of the north will not be sufficient to create the northern powerhouse, but is necessary,” says the report. “Transformations in transport connectivity should form part of a broader strategy incorporating improvements in education, workforce training, research and innovation, spatial planning and wider infrastructure investment.”
But can even major transport projects, such as HS2, really provide the catalyst for faster economic growth for the 15 million people who live in northern city regions? To debate this, the Guardian, alongside transport engineering company Alstom, is holding an in-depth early evening seminar in Manchester. We will explore what is really involved in helping local government and other local public service bodies build growth, especially through education, housing and jobs.
Among other things, our panelists and speakers will consider
- The role of transport innovation in stimulating greater economic development, including skills
- The limits of transport as a catalyst – what else is needed to build the northern powerhouse?
- Is it government’s job to put infrastructure investment at the heart of local economic growth?
- How to bring together businesses and local public services to plan effectively for skills, education and housing
This event is part of the Guardian’s Connecting Britain content series on infrastructure investment and future economic growth across the country.
Details
Date: Tuesday 28 June 2016
Time: 18:00 - 21:00
Registration and drinks reception at 18:00
Keynote speech, panel discussion and audience Q&A, 18:30 - 20:15
Post-debate canapes and networking, 20:15 - 21:00
Venue: Museum of Science and Industry, Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4FP
Panelists & speakers
Sean Anstee, leader of Trafford Council
Professor Nuno Gil, professor of new infrastructure development, Manchester Business School
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester city council
Philippa Oldham, head of transport and manufacturing, Institute of Mechanical Engineers
To be updated as panellists confirm
Register now
While this is a free event, please be aware that space is limited and priority will be given to senior personnel from public services, transport and economics and those with relevant professional experience or research interest in infrastructure, transport and devolution.
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