Several construction leaders have joined a raft of industry figures from across the North who are calling for full support from the UK Government in delivering the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) project, currently estimated to cost £30.6 billion.
In an open letter coordinated by the Northern Powerhouse Partnership (NPP), 76 influential figures from infrastructure, manufacturing, and professional services underline that NPR – a high-speed rail network linking major Northern cities – is crucial to unlocking the North’s economic potential.
The letter’s signatories include Mace Group executive chairman Mark Reynolds, Arup managing director Paula Walsh, Arcadis global chief executive officer (CEO) Alan Brookes, and Mott MacDonald executive board director Richard Risdon.
They argue that NPR will enhance connectivity and significantly boost productivity across the North, with the proposed line – linking Liverpool, Manchester, Bradford, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle, and Hull – projected to add £14.4 billion in GVA annually by 2060.
While the government has shown support for NPR, its backing is overshadowed by issues with HS2, which has faced delays, cancellations, and spiralling costs.
The letter calls for NPR to be developed in collaboration with local government and businesses, focusing on regeneration, housing, and economic growth, and urges a “bottom-up” approach “radically different to HS2”.
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The leaders advocate for leveraging private investment and “innovative delivery models” to keep costs low.
“We know your government understands the importance of delivering in full on the chancellor’s commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail made at the Spending Review,” the letter states.
“We will work with you as you consider seriously the case for both investment in the infrastructure and the wider growth corridor it will enable.”
Originally budgeted at £33 billion with a 2026 delivery, HS2’s timelines have continuously been pushed back, with new CEO Mark Wild acknowledging the first phase may not open until 2033.
During the Spending Review in June, transport secretary Heidi Alexander reiterated the government’s commitment to NPR and other transport investments, including £3.5 billion for the TransPennine route and £15.6 billion for local transport across the North, Midlands, and South West.
However, no further announcements have been made on the NPR project, including in the 10-year infrastructure strategy or the infrastructure pipeline.
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