Investment brings Powerhouse call
DEVELOPMENT: Government investment to build homes, infrastructure, and create jobs has been met with calls for a more long- term settlement to prove a commitment to the Northern Powerhouse.
Ministers announced at least 45 Yorkshire projects will share a £ 115m investment as part of the UK’s economic recovery.
GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT to build homes, infrastructure, and create jobs has been met with calls for a more long- term settlement to prove a commitment to the Northern Powerhouse.
Ministers yesterday announced at least 45 Yorkshire projects which will share a more than £ 115m investment to build homes, infrastructure and create jobs as part of the country’s economic recovery from coronavirus.
Across England successful projects will receive a portion of the £ 900m Getting Building Fund, announced by the Prime Minister in June, with the investment expected to deliver up to 45,000 homes, create up to 85,000 jobs and reduce around 65 million kgs of CO2 emissions across the country.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick says the funding will not only “give a much needed boost” to the country’s economic recovery after the coronavirus pandemic, but will also “help build the good quality, affordable homes the country needs”.
But while he welcomed the funds, Sheffield City Region mayor Dan Jarvis said a less “piecemeal” approach would be more sensible.
In Yorkshire, some of the projects include £ 8.6m to deliver green infrastructure work across Leeds city centre including a new river crossing linking Leeds station and the HS2 development zone, and a new public transport interchange and cycle hub facilities at the Corn Exchange.
In Barnsley, some £ 5.2m has been awarded for three shovelready schemes, including a new pedestrian and cycle bridge, improvements to its outdoor market areas, and an expansion of Barnsley College’s SciTech Campus.
In North Yorkshire, a £ 3.4m digital infrastructure programme has been supported, including town centre wi- fi and improving fibre connections for business parks.
And £ 4.95m will help to deliver 1,120 new homes in the Ings and Wawne areas in Hull.
Mr Jarvis said more than £ 33m had been secured for his area.
He said: “This investment will strengthen our digital infrastructure, improve learning spaces within our schools and colleges, support businesses and create new walking and cycling infrastructure. It will help our effort to make South Yorkshire stronger, greener and fairer as we build back from Covid.
“But rather than providing us with piecemeal funding as they have been doing, I’m calling on the Government to fully back our Renewal Action Plan.
“With this plan, South Yorkshire stands ready to deliver not just recovery, but a renewal that tackles some of the deepest challenges facing our economy and society.”
West Yorkshire received £ 52.6m and Susan Hinchcliffe, chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and leader of Bradford Council, said: “The projects focus on areas vital to a successful, and inclusive recovery, such as regenerating our towns and cities, support for business investment and jobs growth as well as opening up new walking and cycling routes.”
I’m calling on Government to fully back our Renewal Action Plan. Dan Jarvis, Sheffield City Region mayor.