Local infrastructure schemes that have hit delays, preventing projects from unlocking local growth, are set to benefit from a new public-private partnership to get projects off the ground.
As part of the new Local Infrastructure Demonstrator Partnership pilots, leading private sector professionals are working for free alongside government partners to identify and overcome problems that have been hindering infrastructure projects that could otherwise be creating new jobs and growth.
Five areas will be involved in the pilots initially, in Blackpool, Grantham, Northamptonshire, Norwich and Swindon. The specialist support offered through the partnership should lead to each project moving forward more quickly than would have been the case without support. The private sector led teams comprise representatives from the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), with other senior public and private sector partners also making significant contributions.
To develop the Partnership and ensure additional free specialist support is available, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is providing funding through its Growth Fund.
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.
CECA director of external affairs Alasdair Reisner said: "We know that building the new infrastructure that communities need is one of the most effective ways to create growth in the economy. Yet too often this potential is hindered by barriers that prevent projects starting on site. As representatives of industry it is essential that we work with our local clients, providing the support that they need to overcome these problems. By doing so we can play our part in rebuilding the health of the UK economy, while securing a positive future for our own industry."
RTPI President Dr Peter Geraghty said: "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."
CITB interim chief executive William Burton said: "This scheme is just what the industry needs. Infrastructure projects have suffered through the recession and this project has the potential to kick-start them back into action.
"The CITB growth fund has helped to provide the backing to expand this project and that is its sole function - to ensure that the construction industry has the right people, with the right skills, in the right place, at the right time and is equipped to meet the future skills demands of the industry."
