Engineering firm WSP has been appointed to the role, in which it will build a business case for improving infrastructure links across the Central Pennines corridor, as well as one developing better connections for people and goods between energy and research assets along the North West and North East coastlines.
“I think it’s key that these first studies look beyond major city regions like Leeds and Manchester, which are often identified as the major drivers of the Northern Powerhouse agenda,” said Nasar Malik, WSP’s project director for both studies.
“In fact, it is our coastal energy hubs and the growing significance of the Pennine area as business and industrial centres, which could unlock unprecedented economic growth.”
The work is the first in a series of planned studies commissioned by Transport for the North to develop its Strategic Transport Plan and Investment Programme.
Last month, it was announced that Scottish Futures Trust chief executive Barry White would be leaving the organisation to join as the new chief executive of Transport for the North.
Transport for the North chooses corridor adviser
Transport for the North has appointed a technical adviser to prepare studies on how it can develop two key transport corridors.