Rail should be a catalyst not a constraint

Like most people involved in the world of regeneration, I tend to keep a close eye on all things rail related.

Whether it’s carrying commuters, visitors or freight, the rail network supports the lifeblood of our national economy. Furthermore, in the midst of environmental concerns and ever more congested roads, I think we all accept that it has an even bigger role to play. The question is - how can it cope with this extra pressure when it is already creaking at the seams?

Fresh investment is vital. That’s why I was particularly intrigued to see that Network Rail has published the beginnings of a £10bn Investment Plan for the UK Network. Formally known as their proposals for Control Period 5, it earmarks their investment priorities for 2014 -19.

Those of us who have navigated the rail funding landscape know that it can be a complicated and bureaucratic maze at times. Quite rightly, it prioritises the capacity and efficiency of the rail network as well as the major railway stations. However, the economic benefits of investing in strategic regional stations cannot be overstated. In the 1960s, 50% of the UK’s stations were closed down in a spectacularly misguided drive to cut costs. In the same period, more than 4,000 miles of line were decommissioned, meaning the network shrank by 25%. We now have to make the most of what little remains. This means concerted and sustained investment, ensuring stations and the network have the resilience to meet rising demand.

It’s a problem we’re very familiar with in Northampton. Studies show that Northampton Station is already at capacity during peak hours of travel, while the surrounding population continues to grow at twice the national average. In addition, the station site itself is an untapped resource, with the potential for major commercial development in a central location.

Crucially, we have the plans in place to seize this opportunity and are exploring a number of funding solutions. I’m sure there are many other parts of the UK with the same problems and similar ambitions. That’s because we all realise that if UK plc really is open for business, the rail network needs to be a catalyst for economic growth - not a constraint.