GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE - THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT - New Anglia LEP
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 1
GREAT
Wells-next-
FOREWORD
the-sea once the wider agglomeration and People rely on train travel to make
A149 productivity benefits are included. journeys that would be inconceivable
Cromer The package of improvements by car, such as commuting from
we’re asking for has the potential to Chelmsford to Liverpool Street during
EASTERN
Bacton
Fakenham create 5,100 new jobs in Norwich, rush-hour. The GEML has a monopoly
A148 North 5,400 jobs in Ipswich, 10,000 jobs in on those who make these journeys and,
Walsham Colchester, 8,400 jobs in Chelmsford as they have no alternative, they need a
TO THE NORTH A140 and 3,700 new jobs in Southend. reliable service. Without improvements
MAIN
AND THE MIDLANDS Kings Lynn NORWICH
Dereham AIRPORT The financial benefit of journey to infrastructure on the GEML, additional
A47 time savings is estimated at crowding is likely to result in
Swaffham Norwich £6m annually. reliability issues.
A47 A47 Great
Downham Wymondham Yarmouth The road network is also
GILES
LINE
Market increasingly congested across our
Peterborough Attleborough A146 “Over a 30-year period, region and journey times by rail are
Lowestoft journey time savings
WATLING MP
A10 Long highly competitive and improving when
A11
compared to road. As the economic
Thetford
Stratton would equate to a total cost (including consideration for time,
A143
of £179m.” reliability etc) of travel by rail becomes
CHAIR OF THE GREAT more competitive against the car, more
A12
Newmarket Diss EASTERN MAIN LINE The total investment cost is people will switch from car travel,
A14
TO THE NORTH
AND THE MIDLANDS
A14 Bury A140
TASKFORCE estimated to be in the region of £660m. leading to further increased demand
St Edmunds Sizewell The benefit cost ratio is clear at 5.6 for rail.
Cambridge
A134 Stowmarket which means that for every pound of Without these improvements,
investment, £5.60 of economic benefits economic and population growth will be
M11 will be generated, representing very stifled and our ability to increase our net
Ipswich high value for money. contribution to UK plc will be curtailed.
KEY LOCATIONS Haverhill
ALONG THE
Forecasts for population and This report asks the Government
passenger demand clearly show the to recognise our strong and compelling
ROUTE
Manningtree Felixstowe Businesses, local authorities “We need a rail service region is set for significant growth over case for investment in the rail
Colchester and education establishments across
TO SOUTH EAST
AND LONDON
STANSTED
AIRPORT Braintree Harwich our region are calling on Government that is not only fit for the next decade, which will inevitably infrastructure of the GEML to underpin
lead to more people using train services the delivery of better services and meet
A120 to invest in a faster, more reliable rail purpose, but one that is across our region. growing passenger demand.
service on the Great Eastern Main
Witham Line (GEML). It will drive sustainable fit for the future.” But the economy along the GEML
Chelmsford Clacton is not performing as well as other areas
economic regeneration and deliver
There is strong and compelling within a similar distance to London. It is
long-term, clean, economic growth
evidence that investment in the also not growing as fast as other areas
across Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk and
GEML could generate up to £9.3bn and is continuing to fall further behind
enable our region to contribute more
Brentwood in economic benefits for the region over time.
Basildon to UK plc.
A127
Stratford Southend-on-Sea
London
2 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 3
GREAT EASTERN MAINLINE
TASKFORCE
The Great Eastern Main Line (GEML) Franchise Agreements have now
Taskforce was created in November been replaced by the Emergency
2013 by the then Chancellor George Recovery Measures Agreement
Osborne to campaign for rail (‘ERMA’) and a new contract for
improvements on the mainline. The the provision of rail services across
Chancellor recognised then that the East Anglia has been awarded
GEML rail service simply wasn’t fit for to Abellio Greater Anglia for the
purpose and asked for a Taskforce duration of three to five years
to define how we could have faster, in total.
better journey times between Essex,
Suffolk and Norfolk, provide evidence Network Rail was awarded £2.2bn
of the economic benefits to be had for the East Anglia region for
from investment in the railway, and to operations, maintenance and
report back with recommendations. renewals of the Anglia network
up to March 2024, reflecting a 21%
The report was submitted to increase compared to the previous
Government in November 2014 and five-year period.
since then much progress has
been made: However, even with these investments,
CONTEXT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC
the speed and level of service across
The outbreak of Covid-19 and Throughout these uncertain times,
Abellio Greater Anglia was the Great Eastern Main Line still falls
resulting pandemic has developed the railway has played a vital role in
announced as the new franchise below that of other mainline routes in
rapidly with far-reaching ensuring Britain’s key workers can
holder for services across East the UK.
impacts on the economy and travel and vital supplies are kept
Anglia up to 2025.
business across the country. moving. One thing that is clear, is
The key focus for the Taskforce has
Lockdown measures have led that our railway will play an equally
The new franchise agreement therefore shifted slightly to ensuring
to unprecedented shutdowns important role in supporting
included the investment of £1.4bn additional infrastructure investments,
of large parts of the economy the country’s recovery from the
in new trains to completely replace outside the remit of the Emergency
simultaneously, with effects being pandemic – to deliver a reliable rail
the fleet and new timetables to Recovery Measures Agreement, are
transmitted quickly across all service and providing an essential
deliver significant improvements in delivered to enable the GEML to be the
sectors. Although restrictions are lifeline for businesses, commuters
journey times, capacity catalyst for economic growth across
now beginning to ease, it remains and freight users alike.
and frequency. our region.
difficult to accurately predict the
long-term impact of the pandemic.
4 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 5
ABOUT OUR
We are ambitious for future growth
across our region. Since 2014, more
than £911m of government funding
creative sector anchored by nationally
recognised tech clusters centred on
Ipswich and Norwich’s fast-growing
OUR ASK
REGION
has been secured by New Anglia LEP digital creative hubs. Across Essex, the
and South East LEP for investment in a creative sector is expanding fast, with
range of projects to improve skills, drive emerging concentrations of
innovation, support growing businesses digital activity.
and improve transport and
other infrastructure. With specialisms in telecoms, cyber
security, quantum technology, artificial
Our area boasts one of Britain’s most intelligence, Internet of Things,
important concentrations of vital user experience design, marine and
infrastructure assets, including its largest microbiome research, the area has
ports, its only international rail link some of the highest concentrations of
and four airports; as well as being the knowledge-intensive jobs in the UK.
epicentre of the world’s largest market for Home to the largest agri-food sector in
offshore wind energy, with expertise in all the UK, it boasts world-leading research
forms of energy generation. into plant and soil technology, agricultural Bow Junction remodelling
systems and health. and associated infrastructure
Building on centuries of innovation, our including signalling (with
region is pioneering the technologies Our region is one of the fastest growing required improvements to
and science needed to power, feed and areas in the UK. The population across London Liverpool Street and
connect a growing national and global Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk is set to rise Stratford stations) to increase Improved signalling between Line speed improvements
population for a cleaner and more significantly with around 320,000 new
capacity, connectivity and Shenfield and Colchester to give an hourly 90 minute
sustainable future. homes planned between 2016 and 2036,
including the creation of a new generation improve performance to provide further capacity service to Norwich, with
There are few places which are so of ‘garden communities’. and resilience. improvements benefit along the line
uniquely equipped to make telling
contributions to the major challenges “In total, 80,000 of these
facing the world in the 21st century – food
properties are expected to be
and energy security, healthy ageing and
living with environmental change in a built within a 15 mile radius
world where technology is of the rail line, representing a
advancing rapidly. significant increase in the
local population.”
We are also vital to UK plc, being one of
only two net contributor regions to the But future growth depends on our
Treasury and generating a combined region being mobile and accessible and
annual GVA of over £70bn1 fundamental to this success is the quality
Our region is at the cutting-edge of digital and reliability of the GEML. It is the pivotal
innovation, with a globally competitive artery and the lifeblood for our economy.
communications technology and digital
6 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT 1
Enterprising Essex: Opportunities and Challenges, Jan 2017; Norfolk and Suffolk Local Industrial Strategy, 2019 7GREAT
— THEEASTERN
CASE FOR
MAIN LINE — 7
INVESTMENT
THE CHALLENGE We want our economy to contribute
more to UK plc. Around 90 million
passenger journeys were made in 2017-
18 to/from and within GEML stations,
travelling to and from London in 2032,
compared with 2019.
Although the new trains provide 20%
are likely to adversely affect both
journey times and capacity
Improvements to the GEML will
businesses to choose from. Performance
of existing businesses would suffer, as
their access to pools of employment or
the markets they need diminish, making
with more than 90% of these journeys more seats into Liverpool Street, as therefore benefit both passengers them less competitive. Businesses could
being made to/from other the economy and population continue and freight services. A more resilient either fail or relocate to areas where
GEML stations. to grow along the GEML, more people and reliable GEML will benefit the there is better infrastructure to support
GRANTHAM will want to use the railway and the freight industry through a reduction in them. As people move closer to these
Pop: 45k But rail services to destinations along additional seating offered by the new unexpected delays. It will also enable businesses, deprivation could increase,
the GEML corridor are simply not trains will not be sufficient. By 2039, growth at the Port of Felixstowe, especially in areas where employment
LEICESTER Time: 70 mins competitive when compared to other passengers will be standing on a third creating jobs in the industry as well becomes scarce. 2
Pop: 416k UK destinations. It takes 40 minutes of the GEML trains arriving at London as enabling the removal of HGVs
Time: 73 mins longer to travel from London to Norwich Liverpool Street between the peak from the local, regional and national Without an efficient and fast railway,
(98 miles), than it does to travel from hour of 8-9 am on weekdays. road networks, with the positive people will look for alternative ways to
PETERBOROUGH NORWICH London to Grantham (99 miles), and environmental and safety impacts. travel and this is most likely to include
Pop: 178k Pop: 197k almost 30 minutes longer than travelling Better infrastructure is proven to driving – leading to further congestion
Time: 51 mins Time: 110 mins from London to Bath (96 miles). A improve productivity and efficiency We simply cannot afford to lose this on the road network and increasing air
journey from London to Peterborough and will give the towns on the GEML a opportunity to secure investment for pollution, accidents and noise. These
COVENTRY (74 miles) only takes 51 minutes, better chance at competing with other the GEML. impacts make places less desirable to
Pop: 376k compared with a journey from London locations in the UK. live. The combined impact of increased
Time: 62 mins to Ipswich (66 miles) which takes Without improvements to the capacity road usage will make businesses less
70 minutes. The GEML is a core freight network and speed of this key artery across likely to want to invest in the area and
This gives other areas of the UK corridor connecting the UK rail network the East of England, economic and people less likely to want to
LUTON a competitive advantage with the to the Port of Felixstowe. Conflicts population growth will be stifled and our live there.
BATH Pop: 222k potential to attract business activity between passenger and freight services ability to increase our net contribution to
Pop: 103k COLCHESTER IPSWICH away from the GEML corridor. are already developing and with both UK plc will be curtailed. The critical freight transport industry
Time: 34 mins Pop: 136k
Time: 81 mins MILTON KEYNES Pop: 149k sectors forecast to grow significantly, in the area will also suffer as the Port
Time: 56 mins Time: 70 mins
The GEML is not only slower in and these will almost certainly become As other areas become more of Felixstowe is not able to distribute
Pop: 184k comparison to other UK mainlines – it more acute. This is likely to cause competitive, we could see businesses as much freight by rail as anticipated
Time: 38 mins also has less capacity. Forecasts indicate increased delays and reliability issues, relocating to more prosperous areas, – impacting on efficient distribution of
passenger demand will grow year- as well as making timetabling more slowing the demand for housing freight for the whole country.
SWINDON on-year, with 30% more passengers challenging. Ultimately these conflicts and reducing the labour supply for
CHELMSFORD
Pop: 193k
Pop: 118k
Time: 54 mins
Time: 35 mins
READING 09 24
Pop: 259k
100 MILES
100 MILES
LONDON
50 MI
75 MILE
50 MILES
30 M
75 MILES
Time: 25 mins
ILES
LES
S
8 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT ONS estimates of 2018 population for major towns and cities (and Grantham BUASD) Average GJTC (time, journeys GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 9
weighted) from MOIRA2 for Winter 2019 with no crowding, city zones or route codes
2
GEML Strategic Outline Business Case, 2020
Phase 1 Further research has shown the
THE
investment could also unlock
Infrastructure upgrades to boost capacity on the GEML, comprising Bow Junction an additional £1.3bn of capital
remodelling and associated infrastructure including signalling (with required investment along the route.
improvements to London Liverpool Street and Stratford stations)
PLAN Phase 2
Delivering the Great Eastern Main
Line package of improvements
could generate up to £9.3bn in
economic benefits once the wider
agglomeration and productivity
benefits are included.
Our Plan includes three In addition to Bow Junction remodelling in phase 1, a programme of further infrastructure
incremental phases of upgrades that act incrementally to further boost peak capacity, including resignalling between
Shenfield and Colchester to facilitate the necessary headway reductions.
enhancements to the GEML:
A total of 4,150 temporary In addition, the package of
construction jobs will be created by improvements has the potential to
investing and improving the GEML. create 5,100 new jobs in Norwich,
5,400 jobs in Ipswich, 10,000 jobs in
Colchester, 8,400 jobs in Chelmsford
Phase 3 and 3,700 new jobs in Southend.
In addition to the capacity updates included in Phase 2, a programme of upgrades that acts incrementally
in order to deliver improved journey times on the GEML. The schemes included within this phase are:
Enhancements to level crossings north of Colchester to facilitate an increase in off-peak services,
including a third train per hour to Norwich.
A programme of infrastructure upgrades south of Colchester to increase line speeds with one train per
hour off-peak achieving ‘Norwich in 90’ calling at Ipswich (60 minutes) and Colchester (40 minutes)
as a minimum. All the assessments show this
The financial benefit of journey time
scheme is capable of generating
09 24 savings are estimated at £6m annually.
Over a 30-year period, this equates to very high value for money and
total journey time savings of £179m. This compares with up-front capital therefore should be progressed for
investment of £660m, with a Benefit implementation as a priority.
to Cost Ratio of 5.6 ― representing
very high value for money. It means
that there are £5.60 of economic
benefits for every pound the
investment costs the taxpayer.
The overall scheme, combining these three phases of work, represents “Very High Value for Money”. The individual
components are stepping stones to unlocking the economic benefits the programme delivers as a whole, while helping
maintain our position as a net contributor to HM Treasury, and helping support the Government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda.
W
10 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 11
A Improved accessibility and image
benefits to other existing and
planned employment areas across
COMPELLING
the GEML route, increasing the
attractiveness to occupiers. Futura
Park includes North East Chelmsford
Garden Community, Norwich
CASE
Research Park, Broadland Business
Park, Gateway 14 in Stowmarket,
Futurapark and Sproughton
Enterprise Park in Ipswich.
Improved access to employment
opportunities for both existing
and future residents of the five
key locations, helping reduce local
unemployment and increase labour
market participation.
The GEML Taskforce has already The package of enhancements will
made a strong case for wider generate £9.3bn in economic benefits, Supporting short-term and longer-
investment, and we have already as well as the following wider rewards term objectives for economic growth
seen some significant success, with a for our region: and productivity improvements
brand new fleet of trains being rolled across the whole of the GEML.
out across our region. Expanding the range and quantity The case for investment is clear The case for investment is clear
of housing available to residents of Contributing to Government’s net – the region is already a net – the region is already a net
But there is still a strong and the key locations along the GEML zero carbon economy by 2050 contributor to UK plc and for “the region is already
contributor to UK plc and for
compelling case for further investment route – Chelmsford, Colchester, by actively encouraging more
in the GEML, which will enable us Ipswich, Norwich and Southend sustainable train travel, in addition to
the Midlands and the North to
flourish, we need investment
a net contributor to
the Midlands and the North to
flourish, we need investment
to truly capitalise on the economic
potential across our region. Supporting development of
the recent introduction of the new
£1.4bn environmentally-friendly
in the GEML to enable it to
continue to grow; to support
UK plc and for the
in the GEML to enable it to
continue to grow; to support
modern commercial/business
facilities within key centres along
train fleet. national productivity and to Midlands and the
national productivity and to
maximise the benefit of our maximise the benefit of our
the route, enhancing the image Supporting and safeguarding one of region to provide a significant North to flourish, we
region to provide a significant
of these locations and attracting the most successful rail franchises number of jobs; development number of jobs; development
further businesses and investment in the country, with a strong track land for homes and more need investment in the
land for homes and more
record in generating net revenue
in key commercial centres such as
Chelmsford, Ipswich, and Norwich. contributions back to government
opportunities for our residents.
GEML to enable it to
opportunities for our residents.
to, in turn, unlock further economic
opportunities elsewhere across
continue to grow”
the country.
12 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 13
APPENDIX
SUPPORT FROM
1
BUSINESSES
Andy Wood, CEO Adnams and chair, Stephen R. Britt, Managing Director, Corrienne Peasgood OBE, Principal, Ashleigh Seymour-Rutherford, Chief
Visit East of England Anchor Storage Ltd City College Norwich Executive, Colbea
“A faster more reliable train service “For the occasional Inter-City “In these uncertain times, we need “SMEs are integral to the economy
across Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex commuter, a reliable and fast service to remove any barriers which young and more reliable train services in
is essential as we build back from between Norwich, Ipswich and people face – better transport Essex would benefit all businesses.
Coronavirus. The ability to access London Liverpool Street is essential. links are a priority for some of our It’s these connections which are
all our region has to offer in a timely The recent introduction of brand new biggest employers and they open invaluable, and investment into this
and environmentally friendly way will rolling stock will cover part of the opportunities for everyone. At City infrastructure would also underpin the
benefit both our economy and requirement, but investment in the rail, College Norwich we’re training foundations of support for our SMEs.”
the planet.” signaling and station infrastructure is tomorrow’s workforce. We’re proud
now overdue and essential to make of the part our students can play
the most of the new trains. in boosting Norfolk’s economy and
helping the eastern region to build a
Colin Crawford, Director, Electric
Furthermore, the smoother ride and stronger future. Fit-for-purpose links
Palace (Harwich) Ltd
updated facilities in the carriages allow to the rest of the country are a vital
passengers to work while on the move, component in making sure that our
“We support an increase in journey
be this preparation for a meeting on county and our region can grow and
times on the Great Eastern Main line
the outward journey or writing some prosper so we’re right behind the
from London Liverpool Street to
post-meeting notes on the return. campaign to improve rail links with the
at least as far as Ipswich by raising
rest of the UK.”
the limit to 110 mph for most of the
Looking to the future, a reliable,
line from Shenfield to Manningtree.
fast and modern-looking service
Allowing a time of 45 minutes
will attract more visitors, in both
Liverpool St to Manningtree
directions, and increase the
(average 80 mph).”
off-peak usage.”
14 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 15
Denise Rossiter, Chief Executive, George Kieffer, Chairman, Haven Paul Davey, Head of Corporate David Ellesmere, Leader, Ipswich Paul Clement, Chief Executive,
Essex Chambers of Commerce Gateway Partnership Affairs, Hutchinson Ports Borough Council Ipswich Central
“We know the importance of our “The GEML is the only rail connection “The Port of Felixstowe is a vital “I am pleased to back this campaign. “As the county town of Suffolk,
railways to businesses and the that North Essex and South Suffolk gateway for international trade for the Our residents, visitors and businesses Ipswich is a natural and vital gateway
communities they serve. We fully businesses, including the UK’s largest country. Fifty percent of Felixstowe rely on our railways and the provision between the UK, Europe and the
support this campaign to get further container port at Felixstowe, have with traffic to/from the North moves by of a dependable and fast railway world beyond. It is a centre for
investment in our rail infrastructure in London, and the network has among rail. Improvements to the line are service to and from London is vital for technology, creativity and business,
order to maximise the benefits of the the most branch-line connections essential to boost trade, achieve net- the economic wellbeing of Ipswich and home to one of the nation’s
rail network to businesses of all types in the country. A regular and timely zero carbon emissions and rebalance the wider area.” fastest growing populations, and a
and sizes.” service is essential to enable our the economy.” destination for visitors to Constable’s
businesses to deliver employment and country and the East. Yet, while equal
prosperity and rebuild the economy in distance to London as Cambridge,
as we emerge from the Milton Keynes and numerous other
Covid-19 pandemic.” centres, our potential is constrained
by our rail network links to the capital.
Jon Shooter, Managing Director,
The rail link between London
Glazing Vision
Liverpool Street and Norwich, on
Neil Miles, CEO, Inawisdom
which Ipswich is located at the
“We are a business based in Diss,
mid-point, has suffered years of
Norfolk and the majority of our clients “I fully support the campaign for a
underinvestment. But the region, and
are in London. We need a faster faster, more reliable train service across
Ipswich in particular, is now worthy of
and more reliable service so we can Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. As a local
a much faster service, fit for the
provide a better service to our clients. business owner, I am keen to attract
new age.
“We have salespeople travelling to local talent, as well as easily connect
London every week and clients visiting with customers and partners. An
Ipswich Central and the 625 town
us from London, and we have constant improved train service is critical for our
centre businesses that we represent
disruption to our plans due to the growth, as well as an economic boost
are pleased to support the campaign.”
reliability of the train service to and for this UK net contributing
from London.” local economy.”
16 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 17
Paul Norton, Managing Director, Paul Briddon, Senior Partner, Richard Goffin, Port Director Medway Cllr Martin Wilby, Cabinet Member John Dugmore, Chief Executive,
Harrods Aviation Ltd Lovewell Blake LLP and Great Yarmouth, Peel Ports for Highways and Infrastructure, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce
Norfolk County Council
“Reliable transport links are essential “The Great Eastern Main Line is a vital “We are committed to ongoing port “Suffolk Chamber of Commerce
for any thriving economy. For too artery of interconnection for business infrastructure investments which “Norfolk County Council has long believes that an efficient and reliable
long, despite our proximity to London, in the Eastern region. It is clear that ought to be matched by improved supported shorter journey times rail infrastructure remains at the heart
the people of Essex, Suffolk and prior to the Covid-19 pandemic it road and rail enhancements by the to London. These are particularly of our region’s long-term rebalancing
Norfolk have suffered with both a was already at capacity at peak public sector. As an example, we have important for business travelers. We and recovery from the effects of the
poor road network and a train service times. Further planned development worked collaboratively with Norfolk know that being able to meet – and Covid-19 pandemic.
that frequently fails to deliver. It is along the route will test that capacity County Council to support the Third to get there and back in a day – is
essential if we want our economy to further still. Any increase in delays or River Crossing in Great Yarmouth. important. Faster, reliable journeys “We also believe that the region’s
thrive that the rail system is upgraded additional cancellations will have a will help businesses already here in pivotal geographical position between
and improved sooner rather than later. direct impact on the economy of the “A faster, more reliable and more Norfolk as well as encourage further the rest of the world and other
Harrods Aviation is pleased to be able region. That is why we support the frequent rail service across Norfolk, economic investment.” regions in the UK make improvements
to support any initiative which enables campaign for additional investment in Suffolk and Essex would very much to this infrastructure vital to national
rail users to get into Essex reliably this vital transport link.” contribute to the economic success economic prosperity post-Brexit
and efficiently.” of Great Yarmouth Port, not least
providing ease of movement for the “That is why, on behalf of
labour market and supporting greater our members and the wider
investment into the region.” Suffolk business community,
we wholeheartedly support the
aspirations of the GEML Taskforce.”
Ben McGuire, Chief Operating
Officer, Mirus Aircraft Seating Ltd
“Mirus is supportive of the campaign
for a faster, more reliable rail network
in the region. With so many of our
International customers commuting to
us from the capital, our rail network is
integral to both ours and the region’s
continued economic growth.”
18 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 19APPENDIX
GREAT EASTERN MAIN
2
LINE TASKFORCE
Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive Stefan Gurney, Executive Director, Richard Perkins, Director, Alex Durand, Chief Executive,
Officer, Norfolk Chambers Norwich Business Commercial Property Asset
of Commerce Improvement District Management Consultancy
SaxonAir Charter Ltd
TERMS OF REFERENCE
“East Anglia outperforms most (UPDATED JANUARY 2020)
“Norfolk Chambers of Commerce is “The Norwich BID fully supports Great “As a Lowestoft-based business other parts of the UK, despite
delighted to support the Great Eastern Eastern Main Line Taskforce goals and established over 25 years ago, the completely inadequate and unreliable INTRODUCTION
Mainline Campaign. To ensure Norfolk specifically the opportunity to deliver inadequacy of rapid, reliable and transport links. A more reliable and
businesses remain accessible and a high-quality resilient and adaptable effective rail connections both within comprehensive train service would
competitive, we need a faster more train infrastructure for Norwich. We East Anglia and to destinations release the region’s potential, allowing
reliable rail service. The introduction of support investments that will drive outside, particularly London, has fuller participation in the wider UK
new rolling stock is a much-welcomed sustainable economic regeneration reduced our productivity and the economy, as well as improving access East Anglia is a successful part of the The Great Eastern Main Line (GEML) is
improvement, but to capitalise we also and deliver long-term, clean, economic ability to grow the business to international connectivity.” UK economy and one of the fastest an extremely busy, electrified and largely
need to see reduced journey times and growth, ensuring that Norwich more rapidly.” growing. Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex two-track railway, running between
upgrading of the track infrastructure continues to grow and develop as a generate over £60bn in GVA for the London Liverpool Street and Norwich,
along this essential route. An improved progressive, liveable, dynamic and economy each year – expected to reach serving several significant towns and
rail service will enable the Norfolk connected city. We have been actively more than £75bn by 2026. Considerable cities. The GEML also connects with
business community to deliver more involved in the development of the growth in housing and employment multiple branch lines, with significant
economic growth and jobs into plan and it is an ambitious plan for an will be based in a large part on the freight movements to and from Felixstowe.
our region.” ambitious city.” continued success of many dynamic and
innovative sectors and businesses based Services are operated by Greater Anglia
Ian Hacon, CEO, Yellow Brick Road here, with more being attracted from under a franchise agreement which
Solutions Ltd t/a energise.me and within the UK and overseas. was awarded in October 2016 to run
Director of Zaks (UK) Ltd services across East Anglia until 2025.
Professor Helen Langton, Vice- This summarises the key findings of “Once The franchise includes £1.4bn in rolling
chancellor and CEO, University “While right now people are travelling in a generation – a rail prospectus for East stock to completely replace the fleet,
of Suffolk less, this will come back and the fast Anglia” published in 2012 which set out a with new timetables to deliver significant
links between London and Norwich programme for rail improvements across improvements in journey times, capacity
“The University of Suffolk is very are vital for us to reach one of our the region, and included the compelling and frequency. However, even with these
supportive of the need for a faster, primary markets and access funders business case for significant investment investments, the speed and level of
more reliable train service to cover our and advisors in the city. along the Great Eastern Main Line service across the GEML still falls below
region. This will enable more people to (GEML), in particular, new rolling stock that of other mainline routes in the UK.
access education and training as well “A fast, reliable train service is an and the reduction of journey times – the
as other business and industry, and important part of the transport so called “Norwich in 90” “Ipswich in 60” The key focus for the GEML Taskforce
contribute more fully to the growth of infrastructure and is vital to a “Colchester in 40” concept. has therefore shifted slightly to ensuring
key skills and our economy, which is thriving visitor economy. Day visits, that additional infrastructure investments,
vital for our long-term sustainability in particular, can give a massive To campaign for this investment the Great outside the remit of the franchise
and to recover from Covid-19.” boost to our economy.” Eastern Mainline Taskforce was created agreement, are delivered to ensure the
in November 2013, at the invitation of the continued improvement required to
then Chancellor, George Osborne. address the expected future demands on
the line.
20 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 21FOCUS AND STAKEHOLDER ADVISORY
PRIORITIES WORKING AND PANEL MEMBERS /
FROM NOW ON ARRANGEMENTS MEMBERS OBSERVERS
The focus of the GEML Taskforce is Constructive and mutually supportive The Taskforce will continue to be a Giles Watling (Chair) – Member Therese Coffey – Member of Adam Bryan - Chief Executive Tony Potter - Principal Programme
to ensure: working relationships between the strategic body, coordinating with local of Parliament for Clacton Parliament for Suffolk Coastal Officer, South East LEP Client, Southeast, Anglia and
Taskforce and service providers are stakeholders, providing overall direction Enhancements Portfolio, Department
Funding is secured to deliver the at the heart of delivering the new and identifying options for funding. Alex Burghart – Member of Priti Patel - Member of Parliament George Kieffer - Vice Chairman, for Transport
following critical projects which investments and improved services. Parliament for Brentwood for Witham South East LEP
impact on achieving Norwich in 90, The secretariat and project management and Ongar Jessica Parker - Programme Client
Ipswich in 60 and Colchester in 40 And across East Anglia: functions for the Taskforce and Working Vicky Ford – Member of Parliament Councillor Martin Wilby - Norfolk Assistant, South East, Anglia &
Haughley Junction Improvements: Group will be provided by New Anglia Sir Bernard Jenkin – Member of for Chelmsford County Council Enhancements Portfolio, Rail
Supporting the delivery of improved Local Enterprise Partnership. Parliament for Harwich and Infrastructure – South, Department
• Beaulieu Station Development services and investment across the North Essex Will Quince – Member of Councillor Alexander Nicoll - for Transport
• Bow Junction Remodelling wider network in line with the ‘Our Parliament for Colchester Suffolk County Council
and associated infrastructure Counties Connected’ Manifesto and Chloe Smith – Member of
•
improvements
Improvements to signalling
maintaining an interest in work taking
place in other Rail Taskforce groups,
COMMUNICATIONS Parliament for Norwich North Ellie Burrows - Route Director for
Anglia, Network Rail
Councillor Kevin Bentley - Essex
County Council
headways between Colchester including the West Anglia Mainline and Clive Lewis – Member of
and Shenfield. the Ely Area Improvements Taskforce. Parliament for Norwich South James Bradley - (Temporary) Head Chris Starkie - Chief Executive
The Taskforce recognises the significant of Strategic Planning, Network Rail Officer, New Anglia Local
Our influential voice is heard in all Continuing to provide evidence-based interest in its work by a number of James Cartlidge – Member of Enterprise Partnership
consultations relevant to the network business cases for stakeholder groups and individuals, Parliament for South Suffolk Jean McEvoy - Senior Public Affairs
(eg. level crossings; route studies; additional investment. including passengers, local authorities, Manager, Anglia Route, Marie Finbow - Strategy Manager,
regional transport plans;
highways plans).
LEPs and businesses across East Anglia. 09 24 James Cleverly – Member of
Parliament for Braintree
Network Rail New Anglia Local Enterprise
Partnership (project manager for
Driving innovation in integrated
service provision. The Taskforce will continue to keep Jamie Burles - Managing Director the Taskforce)
Collaborations are maintained and stakeholders fully informed with progress Jo Churchill – Member of of Greater Anglia
built across all key stakeholder Building the coalitions of interest that and feedback and will encourage regular Parliament for Bury St Edmunds Hayley Mace - Head of
groups so passenger and business will ensure our increasingly mobile and two-way communications, including Jonathan Denby - Head of Communications, New Anglia
interests continue to be championed accessible economy is recognised as at events, to provide opportunities for Richard Bacon MP – Member of Corporate Affairs, Greater Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership
across the region and in government. a leading contributor to UK plc, and a everyone to shape and influence the Parliament for South Norfolk (communications manager for
destination of choice for national and work of the Taskforce. David Burch - Director of Policy, the Taskforce)
international business. Tom Hunt – Member of Parliament Essex Chamber of Commerce
for Ipswich
22 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 23To find out more about the Great
Eastern Rail Campaign or Taskforce
visit www.newanglia.co.uk
t_ 01603 510070
e_ marie.finbow@newanglia.co.uk
GREAT
EASTERN
MAIN
LINE
THE CASE FOR
INVESTMENT
24 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENTYou can also read
