Expert to advise on £2.4bn transport scheme to improve links across the West Midlands
A leading economist who has worked on projects including HS2 has been brought in by the West Midlands mayor to advise on a multi-billion pound transport scheme which aims to deliver dozens of rail, bus, tram, road, cycling and walking projects across the entire region.
Mayor Richard Parker has appointed Bridget Rosewell CBE to provide independent advice with a focus on the region’s £2.4bn Transport for City Regions package with Coventry among the areas set to benefit.
Announcing the funding back in June, the mayor said: “This is a huge investment in transport in our region – and it will make it easier and more affordable for everyone, from Coventry to the Black Country, to get to work, school, college, hospital or anywhere across the West Midlands. Millions of people rely on our transport network everyday and now, we are going to make sure it works for everyone. ”
It is expected that the new advisor will work alongside the mayor and West Midlands leaders including Cllr George Duggins at Coventry City Council to identify new opportunities for infrastructure-led growth and to ensure it is the best value for money.
The mayor explained: “This is about making every pound work harder for the people of the West Midlands. We’ve secured billions for transport and infrastructure, but we need to stretch that funding as far as possible. And we need it to have the biggest impact for our residents and the economy.
“We can make that £2.4bn go further if we explore creative ways to quickly deliver infrastructure and mechanisms like tax incremental finance. That would mean we use the initial fund to catalyse billions more and crowd in private investment behind public funds. Bridget brings the independent expertise we need to make sure our projects deliver jobs, growth and homes – alongside better transport for local people.”
Ed Cox, interim chief executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “Working with Bridget will bring that independent eye and best-in-class approach to ensuring our investments are delivering for the people of the West Midlands. Bridget’s advice will help us build transport infrastructure that not only moves people, but also powers business expansion and housing development, to create a more prosperous future for all of our communities.”
