Member Article

Public-private partnerships to kickstart delayed infrastructure schemes

Blackpool is set to host one of five pilot schemes launched to kickstart growth, following delays in local infrastructure projects.

Schemes will be launched by a new public-private partnership in Grantham, Northamptonshire, Norwich and Swindon, in a bid to reboot infrastructure projects that have run off schedule.

The new Local Infrastructure Demonstrator Partnership pilots will see private sector professionals work for free alongside government representatives to help overcome the hurdles holding back growth in the different localities.

The Government suggested this new initiative should unlock growth and overcome the problems that have been holding back jobs creation and prosperity.

Private sector representatives will lead teams made up of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).

RTPI President, Dr Peter Geraghty, commented: “The RTPI is delighted to have brought planners’ expertise to help unblock the stalled sites.

“We hope that the work not only benefits the communities in the five demonstrator areas, but serves as an example to other parts of the country with similarly delayed developments.

“It is not always easy but with willingness, determination and professional expertise it is possible to overcome seemingly intractable obstacles to deliver the infrastructure local areas need to grow sustainably.”

The Construction Industry Training Board will provide funding through its Growth Fund in a bid to develop the partnership and offer additional free specialist advice.

Business minister Michael Fallon said: “Making improvements to local infrastructure and unblocking new developments are vital for growth, and having free industry advice and support on hand can help get projects off the ground.

“By bringing together the relevant experts face-to-face with the parties involved, solutions can often be found to problems and costly delays avoided. I would like to thank the private sector experts who are working on the projects on a pro bono basis.”

Ian Achurch, head of external funding & partnerships at Northamptonshire County Council, added: “We welcome engagement through the partnership.

“ Unlocking major infrastructure is crucial to releasing economic growth. This needs to involve the public sector and development industry working more closely together and sharing risk in different ways.“

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .