Welcome to season 5 of AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry’s hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges. 

Northern Powerhouse Rail: the choices that will shape delivery 

Northern Powerhouse Rail – a new rail network set to be the region’s largest transport investment since the Industrial Revolution, has long been a defining ambition for the North of England. The question now is how to turn that ambition into delivery. 

With the next 18 months under the spotlight, attention is turning to the decisions that will shape how NPR progresses, and how widely its benefits can be felt. 

What will it take to unlock growth across city regions? Where should investment be prioritised? And how can progress in scheme development help build the confidence needed to move towards construction? 

In this special episode of Talking Infrastructure, recorded at UKREiiF, host Toby Sadler leads a discussion with Gordon Kells (Chief Operating Officer, Transpennine Route Upgrade), Lola McEvoy MP, (Darlington, Labour Party), Rosario Barcena (Rail Programme Director, Skanska) and Megan Knights, AECOM’s Strategy and Growth Director for Transportation.  

Together, they unpack the critical choices facing NPR – from investment and funding to how city regions can maximise the benefits – and what must happen now to strengthen confidence in delivery and unlock long-term growth across the North. 

Listen to our latest Talking Infrastructure episode over on: https://aecom.com/podcasts/talking-infrastructure-podcast/ 

Useful links: 

Masterplanning Welborne Garden Village, one of the UK’s most notable garden communities 

Elizabeth Tower: restoring a national landmark 

The Northumberland Line: the start of a new golden age for rail 

Campus meets city: Actionable insights for place-led university estates 

The infrastructure challenge behind England's housing targets 

Planning Capability Statement Housing 

Brookleigh, Burgess Hill: from stalled site to sustainable community 

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