Manifesto for infrastructure in the West Midlands 2021 - #commit2infra - ice.org.uk/westmidlands
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Manifesto for infrastructure
in the West Midlands 2021
#commit2infra
Centenary Square, Birmingham
Photo credit: Fitzgerald Contractors Ltd
ice.org.uk/westmidlands
#commit2infra
Introduction
Quality of life depends on ICE’s vision for infrastructure is a It is well considered that urban areas
infrastructure. There would be world which maximises the use of are likely to take the strain of
lower living standards without infrastructure systems to support population growth, driving
energy generation and sustainable outcomes and infrastructure requirements to ensure
distribution, water supply and advocates: that they are ‘smart’ for the people
disposal, transportation by rail, • The right frameworks for who live, visit and work there.
road, sea and air, and waste identifying, prioritising and
management. planning infrastructure using In this context, population growth will
joined-up strategies, based pose challenges for transportation,
As the ‘voice of infrastructure’, upon well-evidenced needs to energy, water, communications and
the Institution of Civil Engineers guide decisions waste management provision.
(ICE) makes the case for • Appraisal, financing and
continued investment in funding mechanisms are To achieve the region’s Net Zero
infrastructure across the West required to develop an Carbon target of 2041 will require
Midlands, not just for the benefit infrastructure system that unprecedented transformation of
of industry and the economy, but pays for itself in the long- infrastructure across the West
for the benefit of society. term and supports sustainable Midlands.
development
There is a clear link between • Improving infrastructure
infrastructure and the economy delivery to embed sustainable Recommendations
in the West Midlands. Ongoing outcomes for society from
investment will protect the current the outset, and use them to
service levels of infrastructure, guide infrastructure planning,
ensure that the region is well- construction, handover and Resilience
placed to take advantage of operation. The West Midlands must
greater economic prosperity and continue to invest in new and
help to meet climate change The West Midlands Combined existing infrastructure assets and
obligations. Authority (WMCA) Strategic speed the transition to a net zero
Economic Plan (SEP) is crucial to carbon economy
the delivery of sustainable and
effective infrastructure across the
region.
Skills
The West Midlands must continue to
What we do invest to grow the next generation
of engineers and upskill the current
The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is True to these obligations, ICE is an
a professional membership body with independent, professional body which
workforce, so that the
more than 95,000 members in more aims to harness engineering knowledge infrastructure delivered helps drive
than 150 countries that government and and expertise for the benefit of society. both the regional economy and
industry listen to. ICE West Midlands ICE has long worked with the society
represents over 5,000 professional civil governments of the day to help it to
engineers across the region. achieve its objectives, and has worked
with industry to ensure that
Infrastructure pipeline
ICE’s Royal Charter obliges it to always construction and civil engineering remain
The Strategic Economic Plan (SEP)
have regard to the public benefit and major contributors to the UK economy
always to act in a manner which is and exports.
must be progressed to develop a
consistent with the public good. pipeline of infrastructure projects
with timelines developed to meet
the region’s needs
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ICE West Midlands Manifesto
Photo credit: Midland Metro Alliance
ICE West Midlands considers that the lack of overview of the vulnerabilities of the region’s infrastructure networks
has created gaps in the approach to defending critical infrastructure. The interdependence of the infrastructure
assets must be recognised with increased levels of information sharing and joint forward planning.
There is a clear link between infrastructure and the economy in the West Midlands. Ongoing investment will
protect the current service levels of infrastructure, ensure that the region is well-placed to take advantage of
greater economic prosperity and help to meet climate change obligations.
Transport
The region needs a safe, affordable, integrated and accessible transport network that supports local and
regional economic growth, productivity and a vibrant society.
ICE West Midlands recommends that the region should:
• Complete the SMART motorway network, focusing on safe implementation and management, because this
will reduce congestion, as well as deliver an efficient and resilient road and freight network
• Complete the electrification of the rail network
• Improve road, rail, bus and metro links across the whole of the region
The region needs a robust and resilient transport not fall behind others in the UK and elsewhere in the
network with genuine choices for the travelling public, world.
including multi-modal ticketing and freight carriers
alike. Improved connectivity and capacity of road and Given the clear health benefits of walking and cycling,
rail links within the region, as well as improved links to these methods of transport should be supported and
London and the North, will drive economic growth to promoted. However, these active travel schemes should
ensure that the region can compete for investment not be to the detriment of the existing highway
with other parts of the UK and internationally. network or cause congestion and safety issues.
ICE West Midlands supports further development of There is a need for continued collaboration between
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and Midlands WMCA and the Government to expedite infrastructure
Connect to develop an integrated transport network delivery, particularly where pan-regional, innovative
for the region. Integrated systems of HS2, rail, metro solutions or funding is required.
and bus are needed to ensure that the region does 3
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Energy
Energy security is one of the key issues facing the UK today.
ICE West Midlands recommends that it is vital to:
• Ensure the sufficient supply of electricity to avoid interruptions
• Reduce the production of harmful emissions
• Promote energy efficiency measures
ICE West Midlands believes that there is the potential Given the industrial skills and research in the region,
for a demand and supply imbalance unless the efforts should be made to lead on the development of
Government takes prompt action to prevent future carbon capture systems.
shortfalls.
Nuclear power has a key part to play in the transition
Meeting Net Zero Carbon whilst ensuring security of to Net Zero Carbon because it provides reliable and
supply should be at the very top of the agenda. This decarbonised baseload power. ICE West Midlands
means a diverse approach to energy generation – urges the Government to progress new and
including nuclear and renewables. Full use should be innovative forms of nuclear, but this must be financed
made, wherever possible, of the heat produced by in a sustainable way and not place undue burden on
electricity generation plants through combined heat consumers.
and power schemes.
The West Midlands was an important energy resource
during the era of coal-powered generation, but the
closure of those facilities in favour of the perceived
solution at the time, Combined Cycle Gas Turbines
(CCGT), now have an uncertain future given the Net
Zero Carbon requirements.
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Water and Wastewater
The West Midlands is crossed by two major UK river systems that are used for drinking water and recreation, but
that are also a primary flood risk. Water is not only essential for communities, but for business and industry alike.
ICE West Midlands recommends that the region must:
• Produce innovative low carbon ways to transfer water across river catchments
• Invest in and improve the existing water network – improving efficiency and security of service. Reservoirs
must be upgraded to meet future water demand with a long-term strategic plan for water resources
• Availability of water can be a business differentiator in some sectors, so the region’s water resources link to
inward development for both domestic and commercial opportunities should be promoted
• Help the public to view water as a valuable resource to improve water efficiency and reduce demand
ICE West Midlands recognises that water services are Water must be managed efficiently, with a greater
provided by several different and privately-owned water focus on demand management. ICE West Midlands
companies that are committed to invest in both clean is keen to play its part in educating the public on the
water supplies and wastewater treatment. Continual value of water and how it can be used more efficiently.
capital investment in their aging systems must
continue.
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Flood Risk Management
Effective flood risk management requires collaboration across a range of stakeholders. Current estimates show
that far too many properties in the West Midlands are at risk of flooding from rivers and surface water.
ICE West Midlands therefore recommends that:
• The WMCA campaign for a long-term capital and maintenance investment programme cascading across all
public sectors
• Ensure that lead local flood authorities develop strategies to improve property level resilience in flood risk
areas and identify and protect exceedance flood pathways to operate in extreme events, building on the good
progress made in the implementation of SuDS (sustainable drainage systems)
• Industry work with the research community to innovate in the use of flood resilience technology.
Research and innovation should result in the development of resilient buildings that meet high sustainability
standards in other aspects, for example
• Industry work with a range of stakeholders, including planners, to proactively create flood resilient
community systems (including planners, education, training and CPD providers). This should ensure that
designers, builders, manufacturers and property managers are abreast of, and applying, best practice
ICE West Midlands believes that flood risk ICE West Midlands recognises the important role that
management should be placed at the heart of urban sustainable drainage systems play. SuDS along with a
design. A different approach to flood risk management full range of other measures are the key to effective
is required for the future and this will require a flood risk management.
collaborative approach from a wide-range of
stakeholders.
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Waste Management
There must be a fundamental shift in the way waste management is addressed.
ICE West Midlands recommends that:
• Waste must be treated as a resource
• The region moves towards a Circular Economy
ICE West Midlands believes a fundamental shift is The region should shift to a ‘circular economy’ in which
required in public and business attitudes to waste the waste and resources sector continues to evolve
and resource management to create new jobs, deliver from a disposal industry, into a sector which collects
reductions in carbon emissions and unlock new sources surplus materials and reprocesses them into
of energy. Waste should be reused or recycled, and, commercial quality products [The State of the Nation:
where possible, treated as a material resource. Waste and Resource Management, 2011].
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Infrastructure
To ensure the required skills for infrastructure delivery in the region, ICE West Midlands
recommends that:
• There is continued investment in apprenticeship initiatives
• Accredited engineering courses across the region are further developed
• Further develop a Net Zero Carbon skills strategy for our region
• Develop the digital skills that are increasingly critical for infrastructure delivery [Construction Playbook]
Ensuring that the region has the right skills in place is There are opportunities for virtual learning initiatives
a key part of addressing the current productivity lag, across the region at all levels. ICE West Midlands
improving infrastructure delivery and yielding supports and fosters these initiatives and encourages
economic growth. cooperation and collaboration to maximise the
opportunities for all.
ICE West Midlands supports and promotes continued
investment in the skills needed to deliver both The continued investment in apprenticeships and
current and future infrastructure. Long-term support for more apprentices is required together with
investment programmes are required to provide a investment in technician and graduate programmes.
sustainable approach to boost skills growth in the
industry. ICE West Midlands supports apprenticeships across the
region because they offer excellent opportunities for
ICE West Midlands is proud of its strong links with civil engineers with clear benefits for both
colleges and universities with its accredited courses for apprentices and employers. The West Midlands
progression to professional engineering qualifications. Combined Authority should continue to support the
ICE has academic partnerships with several universities. Construction Gateway programme.
Accredited civil engineering degree courses are
available at many universities in the region, including
the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City
University, Coventry University, University of Warwick
and University of Wolverhampton. A further learning
programme is also available at Solihull College to
Technician level, with opportunities for progression
through to IEng. 8
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Infrastructure Plan
The West Midlands Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) and Industrial Strategy for growth and jobs is the first step in
delivering a long term approach to infrastructure provision across our region.
ICE West Midlands recommends that:
• The West Midlands Strategic Economic Plan must be progressed to develop a pipeline of projects with
timelines to meet the needs of the region
• The West Midlands Strategic Economic Plan needs to evolve and ICE West Midlands calls for clear visibility of
the infrastructure projects planned and underway – short and long-term
• The West Midlands needs a joined-up vision for infrastructure looking forward 25 years and developed
through engagement with government, clients, investors, operators and delivery teams [The State of the
Nation: Infrastructure Investment, 2018]
• This should ultimately lead to the development of a wider built environment sector that encourages and
fosters confidence, capability, creativity and ambition [Construction Playbook]
Whilst long-term planning is vital, short-term planning A long-term holistic needs assessment is required for
and decisions on infrastructure must be prioritised to infrastructure frameworks. The needs assessment
ensure that the ‘levelling-up’ agenda is delivered across should evaluate the infrastructure-related options
the region. available to the WMCA to meet its ambitions within an
agreed financial envelope, and ultimately, provide the
Short and medium term investments in infrastructure foundations for creating an infrastructure strategy for
can play a significant role in stimulating economic the region. In making this evidence base widely
recovery, particularly as our region looks to return to available, a range of stakeholders and the public can
economic growth in the wake of the pandemic. better understand the options for future infrastructure
needs across the region.
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T: +44 (0)121 227 5949 E: ice.westmidlands@ice.org.uk W: ice.org.uk @ICEWestMids © Insitution of Civil Engineers ICE registered charity number 210252. Registered in Scotland number SC038629.
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