Government invited to back Northern Arc investment plans

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has called on government to back local leaders’ plans for a new Northern Arc of investment in cities in the North.

Mr Burnham will meet with Treasury ministers on 29th April to set out the Northern Arc vision to rebalance historic underinvestment in the region’s transport infrastructure and drive economic growth. Plans are backed by new analysis carried out by economists at Metro Dynamics.

The Mayor will highlight the economic success of Greater Manchester in recent years as testament to the potential that could be unlocked by greater government investment. The city-region has seen the fastest growth in the UK (averaging 3.1% annually since 2015), and the highest growth in productivity, despite the North of England losing out on £16 billion per year in output due to its poor transport links between cities. Greater Manchester’s success has also been supported by its pioneering devolution deal, and unique partnership approach that brings public, private, community and voluntary sectors together, as well as its universities and innovation ecosystem.

The Northern Arc is a series of economic areas stretching from the North West to the Pennines and connecting into West and South Yorkshire, underpinned by transport links that would include a new railway from Liverpool to Manchester.

New analysis suggests that if the untapped potential of the North West can be unleashed through new infrastructure investment, the region could help turbocharge economic output to the tune of £90 billion by 2040 – complementing the up to £78 billion generated by the Oxford-Cambridge Arc by 2035.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said:

“The Northern Arc is the most exciting growth opportunity on offer – and one that can give a massive boost to the national economy.

“Greater Manchester has been the UK’s economic success story over the past decade, as part of a resurgent North pioneering English devolution. But the outdated infrastructure linking our great cities risks limiting our potential and widening the productivity gap with London and the South East.

“The Government has given its backing to the Oxford-Cambridge Arc to boost economic output in the South. We can say with confidence that the Northern Arc is our answer to reaping the rewards of growth here – and offers an even bigger prize for UK plc.”

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, and Greater Manchester lead for economy, business, and inclusive growth said:

“We’ve seen a remarkable decade of growth in Greater Manchester with a fast-growing economy outpacing our international competitors. The right investment, better connecting us with our neighbours in Sheffield, Leeds and beyond will kickstart a new decade of growth across the North of England, creating new jobs and opportunities for our residents and helping our people and our places to truly fulfil their potential and deliver growth for the whole country.”