Arup, an engineering and design firm, is calling for a new strategy to address what it describes as the UK's 'broken' infrastructure delivery model. The firm, through its director of UK economics Andrew Nothstine, suggests that current projects often take too long, incur excessive costs, and fail to prioritise local community benefits due to a top-down design.
The proposed new approach advocates for locally-led, outcome-focused projects and the use of creative financing methods. This strategy aims to improve community connectivity and stimulate economic growth across the UK. Arup's work with mayors, including Andy Burnham and Andy Street, on alternatives to the cancelled HS2 phase two, and with Burnham and Steve Rotheram on a new Liverpool-Manchester railway, is cited as examples of this approach.
Arup's analysis of the Elizabeth Line's first year in operation in London indicated significant benefits, including the creation of approximately 125,000 new jobs and 71,000 new homes around its stations. The firm believes this demonstrates the potential for well-designed UK infrastructure to deliver substantial community benefits.