GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE - THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT - New Anglia LEP
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GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 1
GREAT
Wells-next-
the-sea
A149
Cromer
EASTERN
Bacton
Fakenham
A148 North
Walsham
TO THE NORTH A140
MAIN
AND THE MIDLANDS Kings Lynn NORWICH
Dereham AIRPORT
A47
Swaffham Norwich
A47 A47 Great
Downham Wymondham Yarmouth
LINE
Market
Peterborough Attleborough A146
Lowestoft
A10 Long
A11
Stratton
Thetford
A143
A12
Newmarket Diss
TO THE NORTH A14
AND THE MIDLANDS
A14 Bury A140
St Edmunds Sizewell
Cambridge
A134 Stowmarket
M11
Ipswich
KEY LOCATIONS Haverhill
ALONG THE
ROUTE Felixstowe
Manningtree
Colchester
TO SOUTH EAST
STANSTED
AIRPORT Braintree Harwich
AND LONDON
A120
Witham
Chelmsford Clacton
Brentwood
Basildon
A127
Stratford Southend-on-Sea
London
2 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT
FOREWORD
productivity benefits are included. People rely on train travel to make
The package of improvements we’re journeys that would be inconceivable
asking for has the potential to create by car, such as commuting from
5,100 new jobs in Norwich, 5,400 jobs Chelmsford to Liverpool Street during
in Ipswich, 10,000 jobs in Colchester, rush-hour. The GEML has a monopoly
8,400 jobs in Chelmsford and 3,700 on those who make these journeys
new jobs in Southend. and, as they have no alternative,
they need a reliable service. Without
The financial benefit of journey time improvements to infrastructure on the
savings is estimated at £6m annually. GEML, additional crowding is likely to
result in reliability issues.
“Over a 30-year period,
GILES journey time savings
The road network is also increasingly
congested across our region and
would equate to a total
WATLING MP
journey times by rail are highly
competitive and improving when
of £179m.” compared to road. As the economic
cost (including consideration for
CHAIR OF THE GREAT The total investment cost is estimated time, reliability etc) of travel by rail
EASTERN MAIN LINE to be in the region of £660m. The becomes more competitive against
TASKFORCE benefit cost ratio is clear at 5.6 the car, more people will switch from
which means that for every pound of car travel, leading to further increased
investment, £5.60 of economic benefits demand for rail.
will be generated, representing very
high value for money. Without these improvements,
economic and population growth will
Forecasts for population and be stifled and our ability to increase
passenger demand clearly show the our net contribution to UK plc will be
Businesses, local authorities and “We need a rail service region is set for significant growth over curtailed.
education establishments across our
region are calling on Government to that is not only fit for the next decade, which will inevitably
lead to more people using train This report asks the Government to
invest in a faster, more reliable rail purpose, but one that is services across our region. recognise our strong and compelling
service on the Great Eastern Main
Line (GEML). It will drive sustainable fit for the future.” case for investment in the rail
economic regeneration and deliver But the economy along the GEML is infrastructure of the GEML to underpin
There is strong and compelling not performing as well as other areas the delivery of better services and
long-term, clean, economic growth
evidence that investment in the within a similar distance to London. meet growing passenger demand.
across Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk and
GEML could generate up to £9.3bn It is also not growing as fast as other
enable our region to contribute more
in economic benefits for the region areas and is continuing to fall further
to UK plc.
once the wider agglomeration and behind over time.
GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 3
GREAT EASTERN MAINLINE
TASKFORCE
The Great Eastern Main Line (GEML) Rollout of new train fleet is well Funding secured through the
Taskforce was created in November under way with all new intercity Housing and Infrastructure Fund for
2013 by the then Chancellor trains now in service across Beaulieu Station and the passing
George Osborne to campaign for the region and the rollout of loop, which will provide additional
rail improvements on the mainline. the suburban trains due to be capacity and improved network
The Chancellor recognised then complete mid-2022. resilience, benefiting the entire
that the GEML rail service simply mainline. Delivery of Beaulieu
wasn’t fit for purpose and asked for Franchise agreements have station and passing loop are
a Taskforce to define how we could been temporarily replaced by fundamental to this business case.
have faster, better journey times Emergency Recovery Measures
between Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk, Agreements (ERMAs), due to However, even with these investments,
provide evidence of the economic the pandemic situation. In East the speed and level of service across
benefits to be had from investment in Anglia, the ERMA with Greater the Great Eastern Main Line still falls
the railway, and to report back with Anglia is expected to be followed below that of other mainline routes in
recommendations. by a direct award contract for the UK.
three to five years, after which
The report was submitted to a new longer term contract for The key focus for the Taskforce has
Government in November 2014 and the operation of services in East therefore shifted slightly to ensuring
since then much progress has Anglia is due to be let. additional infrastructure investments,
been made: outside the remit of the Emergency
Network Rail was awarded £2.2bn Recovery Measures Agreement, are
Greater Anglia (owned by Abellio for the East Anglia region for delivered to enable the GEML to be
and Mitsui) was announced as the operations, maintenance and the catalyst for economic growth
new franchise holder for services renewals of the Anglia network across our region.
across East Anglia up to 2025. up to March 2024, reflecting a
21% increase compared to the
The new franchise agreement previous five-year period.
included the investment of £1.4bn
in new trains to completely
replace the fleet and new “The key focus for the Taskforce has shifted slightly
timetables to deliver significant
improvements in journey times, to ensuring additional infrastructure investments”
capacity and frequency.
4 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT
CONTEXT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The outbreak of Covid-19 and difficult to accurately predict the
resulting pandemic has developed long-term impact of the pandemic.
rapidly with far-reaching Throughout these uncertain times,
impacts on the economy and the railway has played a vital role in
business across the country. ensuring Britain’s key workers can
Lockdown measures have led travel and vital supplies are kept
to unprecedented shutdowns moving. As the country emerges
of large parts of the economy from its third lockdown with the
simultaneously, with effects being help of the rollout of vaccines,
transmitted quickly across all it remains difficult to accurately
sectors. Although restrictions are predict the long-term impact of
now beginning to ease, it remains the pandemic.
GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 5
ABOUT OUR
We are ambitious for future growth creative sector anchored by nationally
across our region. Since 2014, more recognised tech clusters centred on
than £911m of government funding Ipswich and Norwich’s fast-growing
REGION
has been secured by New Anglia LEP digital creative hubs. Across Essex, the
and South East LEP for investment in a creative sector is expanding fast, with
range of projects to improve skills, drive emerging concentrations of
innovation, support growing businesses digital activity.
and improve transport and
other infrastructure. With specialisms in telecoms, cyber
security, quantum technology, artificial
Our area boasts one of Britain’s most intelligence, Internet of Things,
important concentrations of vital user experience design, marine and
infrastructure assets, including its largest microbiome research, the area has
ports, its only international rail link some of the highest concentrations of
and four airports; as well as being the knowledge-intensive jobs in the UK.
epicentre of the world’s largest market for Home to the largest agri-food sector in
offshore wind energy, with expertise in all the UK, it boasts world-leading research
forms of energy generation. into plant and soil technology, agricultural
systems and health.
Building on centuries of innovation, our
region is pioneering the technologies Our region is one of the fastest growing
and science needed to power, feed and areas in the UK. The population across
connect a growing national and global Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk is set to rise
population for a cleaner and more significantly with around 320,000 new
sustainable future. homes planned between 2016 and 2036,
including the creation of a new generation
There are few places which are so of ‘garden communities’.
uniquely equipped to make telling
contributions to the major challenges “In total, 80,000 of these
facing the world in the 21st century – food
properties are expected to be
and energy security, healthy ageing and
living with environmental change in a built within a 15 mile radius
world where technology is of the rail line, representing a
advancing rapidly. significant increase in the
local population.”
We are also vital to UK plc, being one of
only two net contributor regions to the But future growth depends on our
Treasury and generating a combined region being mobile and accessible and
annual GVA of over £70bn1 fundamental to this success is the quality
Our region is at the cutting-edge of digital and reliability of the GEML. It is the pivotal
innovation, with a globally competitive artery and the lifeblood for our economy.
communications technology and digital
6 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT 1
Enterprising Essex: Opportunities and Challenges, Jan 2017; Norfolk and Suffolk Local Industrial Strategy, 2019
OUR ASK
Bow Junction remodelling
and associated infrastructure
including signalling (with
required improvements to
London Liverpool Street and
Stratford stations) to increase Improved signalling between Line speed improvements
capacity, connectivity and Shenfield and Colchester to give an hourly 90 minute
improve performance to provide further capacity service to Norwich, with
and resilience. improvements benefits along the line
7GREAT
— THEEASTERN
CASE FOR
MAIN LINE — 7
INVESTMENT
THE CHALLENGE
GRANTHAM
Pop: 45k
LEICESTER Time: 70 mins
Pop: 416k
Time: 73 mins
PETERBOROUGH NORWICH
Pop: 178k Pop: 197k
Time: 51 mins Time: 110 mins
COVENTRY
Pop: 376k
Time: 62 mins
LUTON
BATH Pop: 222k
Pop: 103k COLCHESTER IPSWICH
Time: 34 mins Pop: 136k
Time: 81 mins MILTON KEYNES Pop: 149k
Time: 56 mins Time: 70 mins
Pop: 184k
Time: 38 mins
SWINDON
CHELMSFORD
Pop: 193k
Pop: 118k
Time: 54 mins
Time: 35 mins
READING
Pop: 259k
100 MILES
100 MILES
LONDON
50 MI
75 MILE
50 MILES
30 M
75 MILES
Time: 25 mins
ILES
LES
S
8 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT ONS estimates of 2018 population for major towns and cities (and Grantham BUASD) Average GJTC (time, journeys
weighted) from MOIRA2 for Winter 2019 with no crowding, city zones or route codes
We want our economy to contribute travelling to and from London in 2032, are likely to adversely affect both businesses to choose from. Performance
more to UK plc. Around 90 million compared with 2019. journey times and capacity of existing businesses would suffer, as
passenger journeys were made in 2017- their access to pools of employment or
18 to/from and within GEML stations, Although the new trains provide 20% Improvements to the GEML will the markets they need diminish, making
with more than 90% of these journeys more seats into Liverpool Street, as therefore benefit both passengers them less competitive. Businesses could
being made to/from other the economy and population continue and freight services. A more resilient either fail or relocate to areas where
GEML stations. to grow along the GEML, more people and reliable GEML will benefit the there is better infrastructure to support
will want to use the railway and the freight industry through a reduction in them. As people move closer to these
But rail services to destinations along additional seating offered by the new unexpected delays. It will also enable businesses, deprivation could increase,
the GEML corridor are simply not trains will not be sufficient. By 2039, growth at the Port of Felixstowe, especially in areas where employment
competitive when compared to other passengers will be standing on a third creating jobs in the industry as well becomes scarce. 2
UK destinations. It takes 40 minutes of the GEML trains arriving at London as enabling the removal of HGVs
longer to travel from London to Norwich Liverpool Street between the peak from the local, regional and national Without an efficient and fast railway,
(98 miles), than it does to travel from hour of 8-9 am on weekdays. road networks, with the positive people will look for alternative ways to
London to Grantham (99 miles), and environmental and safety impacts. travel and this is most likely to include
almost 30 minutes longer than travelling Better infrastructure is proven to driving – leading to further congestion
from London to Bath (96 miles). A improve productivity and efficiency We simply cannot afford to lose this on the road network and increasing air
journey from London to Peterborough and will give the towns on the GEML a opportunity to secure investment for pollution, accidents and noise. These
(74 miles) only takes 51 minutes, better chance at competing with other the GEML. impacts make places less desirable to
compared with a journey from London locations in the UK. live. The combined impact of increased
to Ipswich (66 miles) which takes Without improvements to the capacity road usage will make businesses less
70 minutes. The GEML is a core freight network and speed of this key artery across likely to want to invest in the area and
This gives other areas of the UK corridor connecting the UK rail network the East of England, economic and people less likely to want to
a competitive advantage with the to the Port of Felixstowe. Conflicts population growth will be stifled and our live there.
potential to attract business activity between passenger and freight services ability to increase our net contribution to
away from the GEML corridor. are already developing and with both UK plc will be curtailed. The critical freight transport industry
sectors forecast to grow significantly, in the area will also suffer as the Port
The GEML is not only slower in and these will almost certainly become As other areas become more of Felixstowe is not able to distribute
comparison to other UK mainlines – it more acute. This is likely to cause competitive, we could see businesses as much freight by rail as anticipated
also has less capacity. Forecasts indicate increased delays and reliability issues, relocating to more prosperous areas, – impacting on efficient distribution of
passenger demand will grow year- as well as making timetabling more slowing the demand for housing freight for the whole country.
on-year, with 30% more passengers challenging. Ultimately these conflicts and reducing the labour supply for
09 24
GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 9
2
GEML Strategic Outline Business Case, 2020
Phase 1
THE
Infrastructure upgrades to boost capacity on the GEML, comprising Bow Junction
remodelling and associated infrastructure (including signalling) and improvements
to London Liverpool Street and Stratford stations in order to facilitate increases in
PLAN
passenger numbers.
Phase 2
Our Plan includes three In addition to Bow Junction remodelling in phase 1, a programme of further infrastructure
incremental phases of upgrades that act incrementally to further boost peak capacity, including resignalling between
enhancements to the GEML: Shenfield and Colchester to facilitate the necessary headway reductions.
Phase 3
In addition to the capacity updates included in Phase 2, a programme of upgrades that acts incrementally
in order to deliver improved journey times on the GEML. The schemes included within this phase are:
Enhancements to level crossings north of Colchester to facilitate an increase in off-peak services,
including a third train per hour to Norwich.
A programme of infrastructure upgrades south of Colchester to increase line speeds with one train per
hour off-peak achieving ‘Norwich in 90’ calling at Ipswich (60 minutes) and Colchester (40 minutes)
as a minimum.
The overall scheme, combining these three phases of work, represents “Very High Value for Money”. The individual
components are stepping stones to unlocking the economic benefits the programme delivers as a whole, while helping
maintain our position as a net contributor to HM Treasury, and helping support the Government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda.
10 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENTFurther research has shown the
investment could also unlock
an additional £1.3bn of capital
investment along the route.
Delivering the Great Eastern Main
Line package of improvements
could generate up to £9.3bn in
economic benefits once the wider
agglomeration and productivity
benefits are included.
A total of 4,150 temporary In addition, the package of
construction jobs will be created by improvements has the potential to
investing and improving the GEML. create 5,100 new jobs in Norwich,
5,400 jobs in Ipswich, 10,000 jobs in
Colchester, 8,400 jobs in Chelmsford
and 3,700 new jobs in Southend.
The financial benefit of journey time All the assessments show this
savings are estimated at £6m annually. scheme is capable of generating
09 24 Over a 30-year period, this equates to very high value for money and
total journey time savings of £179m. This compares with up-front capital therefore should be progressed for
investment of £660m, with a Benefit implementation as a priority.
to Cost Ratio of 5.6 - representing
very high value for money. It means
that there are £5.60 of economic
benefits for every pound the
investment costs the taxpayer.
GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 11A Improved accessibility and image
benefits to other existing and
planned employment areas across
COMPELLING
the GEML route, increasing the
attractiveness to occupiers. Futura
Park includes North East Chelmsford
Garden Community, Norwich
CASE
Research Park, Broadland Business
Park, Gateway 14 in Stowmarket,
Futurapark and Sproughton
Enterprise Park in Ipswich.
Improved access to employment
opportunities for both existing
and future residents of the five
key locations, helping reduce local
unemployment and increase labour
market participation.
The GEML Taskforce has already The package of enhancements will
made a strong case for wider generate £9.3bn in economic benefits, Supporting short-term and longer-
investment, and we have already as well as the following wider rewards term objectives for economic growth
seen some significant success, with a for our region: and productivity improvements
brand new fleet of trains being rolled across the whole of the GEML.
out across our region. Expanding the range and quantity The case for investment is clear
of housing available to residents of Contributing to Government’s net – the region is already a net
But there is still a strong and the key locations along the GEML zero carbon economy by 2050 contributor to UK plc and for
compelling case for further investment route – Chelmsford, Colchester, by actively encouraging more the Midlands and the North to
in the GEML, which will enable us Ipswich, Norwich and Southend sustainable train travel, in addition to flourish, we need investment
to truly capitalise on the economic the recent introduction of the new in the GEML to enable it to
potential across our region. Supporting development of £1.4bn environmentally-friendly continue to grow; to support
modern commercial/business train fleet. national productivity and to
facilities within key centres along maximise the benefit of our
the route, enhancing the image Supporting and safeguarding one of region to provide a significant
of these locations and attracting the most successful rail franchises number of jobs; development
further businesses and investment in the country, with a strong track land for homes and more
in key commercial centres such as record in generating net revenue opportunities for our residents.
Chelmsford, Ipswich, and Norwich. contributions back to government
to, in turn, unlock further economic
opportunities elsewhere across
the country.
12 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENTThe case for investment is clear
– the region is already a net
contributor to UK plc and for
“The region is already
the Midlands and the North to
flourish, we need investment
a net contributor to
in the GEML to enable it to
continue to grow; to support
UK plc and for the
national productivity and to
maximise the benefit of our
Midlands and the
region to provide a significant
North to flourish, we
number of jobs; development
land for homes and more
need investment in the
opportunities for our residents.
GEML to enable it to
continue to grow”
GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 13APPENDIX
SUPPORT FROM
1
BUSINESSES
Andy Wood, CEO Adnams and chair, Stephen R. Britt, Managing Director,
Visit East of England Anchor Storage Ltd
“A faster more reliable train service “For the occasional Inter-City
across Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex commuter, a reliable and fast service
is essential as we build back from between Norwich, Ipswich and
Coronavirus. The ability to access London Liverpool Street is essential.
all our region has to offer in a timely The recent introduction of brand new
and environmentally friendly way will rolling stock will cover part of the
benefit both our economy and requirement, but investment in the rail,
the planet.” signaling and station infrastructure is
now overdue and essential to make
the most of the new trains.
Furthermore, the smoother ride and
updated facilities in the carriages allow
passengers to work while on the move,
be this preparation for a meeting on
the outward journey or writing some
post-meeting notes on the return.
Looking to the future, a reliable,
fast and modern-looking service
will attract more visitors, in both
directions, and increase the
off-peak usage.”
14 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENTCorrienne Peasgood OBE, Principal, Ashleigh Seymour-Rutherford, Chief
City College Norwich Executive, Colbea
“In these uncertain times, we need “SMEs are integral to the economy
to remove any barriers which young and more reliable train services in
people face – better transport Essex would benefit all businesses.
links are a priority for some of our It’s these connections which are
biggest employers and they open invaluable, and investment into this
opportunities for everyone. At City infrastructure would also underpin the
College Norwich we’re training foundations of support for our SMEs.”
tomorrow’s workforce. We’re proud
of the part our students can play
in boosting Norfolk’s economy and
helping the eastern region to build a
Colin Crawford, Director, Electric
stronger future. Fit-for-purpose links
Palace (Harwich) Ltd
to the rest of the country are a vital
component in making sure that our
“We support an increase in journey
county and our region can grow and
times on the Great Eastern Main line
prosper so we’re right behind the
from London Liverpool Street to
campaign to improve rail links with the
at least as far as Ipswich by raising
rest of the UK.”
the limit to 110 mph for most of the
line from Shenfield to Manningtree.
Allowing a time of 45 minutes
Liverpool St to Manningtree
(average 80 mph).”
GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 15Denise Rossiter, Chief Executive, George Kieffer, Chairman, Haven Paul Davey, Head of Corporate David Ellesmere, Leader, Ipswich
Essex Chambers of Commerce Gateway Partnership Affairs, Hutchinson Ports Borough Council
“We know the importance of our “The GEML is the only rail connection “The Port of Felixstowe is a vital “I am pleased to back this campaign.
railways to businesses and the that North Essex and South Suffolk gateway for international trade for the Our residents, visitors and businesses
communities they serve. We fully businesses, including the UK’s largest country. Fifty percent of Felixstowe rely on our railways and the provision
support this campaign to get further container port at Felixstowe, have with traffic to/from the North moves by of a dependable and fast railway
investment in our rail infrastructure in London, and the network has among rail. Improvements to the line are service to and from London is vital for
order to maximise the benefits of the the most branch-line connections essential to boost trade, achieve net- the economic wellbeing of Ipswich and
rail network to businesses of all types in the country. A regular and timely zero carbon emissions and rebalance the wider area.”
and sizes.” service is essential to enable our the economy.”
businesses to deliver employment and
prosperity and rebuild the economy
as we emerge from the Covid-19
pandemic.”
“Chelmsford Railway
Jon Shooter, Managing Director, Station is the busiest two
Glazing Vision platform train station
Neil Miles, CEO, Inawisdom outside of London, and
“We are a business based in Diss, serves 8.5 million passenger
Norfolk and the majority of our clients “I fully support the campaign for
a faster, more reliable train service trips per year. Improved
are in London. We need a faster
and more reliable service so we can across Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. As capacity on the GEML is
provide a better service to our clients. a local business owner, I am keen to vital to assist with relieving
“We have salespeople travelling to attract local talent, as well as easily pressures on the existing
London every week and clients visiting connect with customers and partners. station. The new Beaulieu
us from London, and we have constant An improved train service is critical for Park Station and passing
disruption to our plans due to the our growth, as well as an economic loop will help to deliver
reliability of the train service to and boost for this UK net contributing increased capacity on the
from London.” local economy.”
line and provides both
local and wider strategic
benefits.”
Vicky Ford, MP
16 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENTPaul Clement, Chief Executive, Alastair Moss, Chair of the Planning
Ipswich Central and Transportation Committee,
City of London Corporation
“As the county town of Suffolk,
Ipswich is a natural and vital gateway “The City Corporation supports better
between the UK, Europe and the world national and international connections
beyond. It is a centre for technology, to the Square Mile as part of our
creativity and business, home to Transport Strategy. We are therefore
one of the nation’s fastest growing supportive of further investment into
populations, and a destination for the Great Eastern Main Line.
visitors to Constable’s country and
the East. Yet, while equal in distance “Increasing capacity and reducing
to London as Cambridge, Milton journey times for rail travel between
Keynes and numerous other centres, East Anglia and the City of London
our potential is constrained by our rail is beneficial for all areas on the
network links to the capital. network. Links to the capital are vitally
important for the commuters and
The rail link between London Liverpool visitors that we expect to return after
Street and Norwich, on which Ipswich the current restrictions are eased.
is located at the mid-point, has
suffered years of underinvestment. But “Additionally, the City Corporation is
the region, and Ipswich in particular, is dedicated to taking radical climate
now worthy of a much faster service, action. Every polluting vehicle taken
fit for the new age. off streets contributes to that goal and
investment in rail is just one of many
Ipswich Central and the 625 town ways in which we can improve air
centre businesses that we represent quality for residents, workers
are pleased to support the campaign.” and visitors.”
GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 17Paul Norton, Managing Director,
Harrods Aviation Ltd
“Reliable transport links are essential
for any thriving economy. For too
long, despite our proximity to London,
the people of Essex, Suffolk and
Norfolk have suffered with both a
poor road network and a train service
that frequently fails to deliver. It is
essential if we want our economy to
thrive that the rail system is upgraded
and improved sooner rather than later.
Harrods Aviation is pleased to be able
to support any initiative which enables
rail users to get into Essex reliably
and efficiently.”
“The enhancements that
we’re asking for will
improve rail infrastructure,
journey times, and capacity
in Colchester, an area in
which housing is developing
at a considerable rate, as
well as providing much-
needed benefits to rail
infrastructure across East
Anglia, which is seeing
an ever-growing number
of commuters and will
continue to do so for the
foreseeable future.
Will Quince, MP
18 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENTPaul Briddon, Senior Partner, Richard Goffin, Port Director Medway Cllr Martin Wilby, Cabinet Member John Dugmore, Chief Executive,
Lovewell Blake LLP and Great Yarmouth, Peel Ports for Highways and Infrastructure, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce
Norfolk County Council
“The Great Eastern Main Line is a vital “We are committed to ongoing port “Suffolk Chamber of Commerce
artery of interconnection for business infrastructure investments which “Norfolk County Council has long believes that an efficient and reliable
in the Eastern region. It is clear that ought to be matched by improved supported shorter journey times rail infrastructure remains at the heart
prior to the Covid-19 pandemic it was road and rail enhancements by the to London. These are particularly of our region’s long-term rebalancing
already at capacity at peak times. public sector. As an example, we have important for business travelers. We and recovery from the effects of the
Further planned development along worked collaboratively with Norfolk know that being able to meet – and Covid-19 pandemic.
the route will test that capacity County Council to support the Third to get there and back in a day – is
further still. Any increase in delays or River Crossing in Great Yarmouth. important. Faster, reliable journeys “We also believe that the region’s
additional cancellations will have a will help businesses already here in pivotal geographical position between
direct impact on the economy of the “A faster, more reliable and more Norfolk as well as encourage further the rest of the world and other
region. That is why we support the frequent rail service across Norfolk, economic investment.” regions in the UK make improvements
campaign for additional investment in Suffolk and Essex would very much to this infrastructure vital to national
this vital transport link.” contribute to the economic success economic prosperity post-Brexit
of Great Yarmouth Port, not least
providing ease of movement for the “That is why, on behalf of
labour market and supporting greater our members and the wider
investment into the region.” Suffolk business community,
we wholeheartedly support the
Councillor Alexander Nicoll, Deputy aspirations of the GEML Taskforce.”
Cabinet Member for Transport
Ben McGuire, Chief Operating Suffolk County Council
Officer, Mirus Aircraft Seating Ltd
“Suffolk County Council strongly backs
“Mirus is supportive of the campaign the vision being taken forward by the
for a faster, more reliable rail network GEML Taskforce. Better journey times
in the region. With so many of our and increased service frequency will
International customers commuting to help Suffolk residents and businesses
us from the capital, our rail network is and all GEML partners will share in the
integral to both ours and the region’s wider benefits which will flow from
continued economic growth.” this project and be felt across the
eastern region. It is also timely to bring
forward a project to enhance railway
services as part of decarbonising
our environment and reducing traffic
volumes on our roads’”
GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 19Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive Stefan Gurney, Executive Director, Richard Perkins, Director, Alex Durand, Chief Executive,
Officer, Norfolk Chambers Norwich Business Commercial Property Asset SaxonAir Charter Ltd
of Commerce Improvement District Management Consultancy
“East Anglia outperforms most
“Norfolk Chambers of Commerce is “The Norwich BID fully supports Great “As a Lowestoft-based business other parts of the UK, despite
delighted to support the Great Eastern Eastern Main Line Taskforce goals and established over 25 years ago, the completely inadequate and unreliable
Mainline Campaign. To ensure Norfolk specifically the opportunity to deliver inadequacy of rapid, reliable and transport links. A more reliable and
businesses remain accessible and a high-quality resilient and adaptable effective rail connections both within comprehensive train service would
competitive, we need a faster more train infrastructure for Norwich. We East Anglia and to destinations release the region’s potential, allowing
reliable rail service. The introduction of support investments that will drive outside, particularly London, has fuller participation in the wider UK
new rolling stock is a much-welcomed sustainable economic regeneration reduced our productivity and the economy, as well as improving access
improvement, but to capitalise we also and deliver long-term, clean, economic ability to grow the business to international connectivity.”
need to see reduced journey times and growth, ensuring that Norwich more rapidly.”
upgrading of the track infrastructure continues to grow and develop as a
along this essential route. An improved progressive, liveable, dynamic and
rail service will enable the Norfolk connected city. We have been actively
business community to deliver more involved in the development of the
economic growth and jobs into plan and it is an ambitious plan for an
our region.” ambitious city.”
Ian Hacon, CEO, Yellow Brick Road
Solutions Ltd t/a energise.me and
Director of Zaks (UK) Ltd
Professor Helen Langton,
“These improvements are
Vice-chancellor and CEO, “While right now people are travelling
about achieving best value: University of Suffolk
removing choke points on less, this will come back and the fast
the railway which at present links between London and Norwich
“The University of Suffolk is very are vital for us to reach one of our
limit capacity and cause supportive of the need for a faster, primary markets and access funders
delays. These much-needed more reliable train service to cover our and advisors in the city.
enhancements will enable us region. This will enable more people to
to maximise the capabilities access education and training as well “A fast, reliable train service is an
of the new trains. And as other business and industry, and important part of the transport
contribute more fully to the growth of
passengers across East infrastructure and is vital to a
key skills and our economy, which is thriving visitor economy. Day visits,
Anglia certainly deserve vital for our long-term sustainability
more investment for the in particular, can give a massive
and to recover from Covid-19.” boost to our economy.”
fares they pay.”
Sir Bernard Jenkin, MP
20 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENTAPPENDIX
GREAT EASTERN MAIN
2
LINE TASKFORCE
TERMS OF REFERENCE
(UPDATED JANUARY 2020)
INTRODUCTION
East Anglia is a successful part of the The Great Eastern Main Line (GEML) is
UK economy and one of the fastest an extremely busy, electrified and largely
growing. Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex two-track railway, running between
generate over £60bn in GVA for the London Liverpool Street and Norwich,
economy each year – expected to reach serving several significant towns and
more than £75bn by 2026. Considerable cities. The GEML also connects with
growth in housing and employment multiple branch lines, with significant
will be based in a large part on the freight movements to and from Felixstowe.
continued success of many dynamic and
innovative sectors and businesses based Services are operated by Greater Anglia
here, with more being attracted from under a franchise agreement which was
within the UK and overseas. awarded in October 2016 to run services
across East Anglia until 2025. The franchise
This summarises the key findings of “Once includes £1.4 billion in brand-new rolling
in a generation – a rail prospectus for East stock to completely replace the fleet,
Anglia” published in 2012 which set out a with new timetables to deliver significant
programme for rail improvements across improvements in journey times, capacity
the region, and included the compelling and frequency. However, even with these
business case for significant investment investments, the speed and level of service
along the Great Eastern Main Line across the GEML still falls below that of
(GEML), in particular, new rolling stock other mainline routes in the UK.
and the reduction of journey times – the
so called “Norwich in 90” “Ipswich in 60” The key focus for the GEML Taskforce
“Colchester in 40” concept. has therefore shifted slightly to ensuring
that additional infrastructure investments,
To campaign for this investment the Great outside the remit of the franchise agreement,
Eastern Mainline Taskforce was created are delivered to ensure the continued
in November 2013, at the invitation of the improvement required to address the
then Chancellor, George Osborne. expected future demands on the line.
GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 21FOCUS AND
PRIORITIES WORKING
FROM NOW ON ARRANGEMENTS
The focus of the GEML Taskforce is Constructive and mutually supportive The Taskforce will continue to be a
to ensure: working relationships between the strategic body, coordinating with local
Taskforce and service providers are stakeholders, providing overall direction
Funding is secured to deliver the at the heart of delivering the new and identifying options for funding.
following critical projects which investments and improved services.
impact on achieving Norwich in 90, The secretariat and project management
Ipswich in 60 and Colchester in 40 And across East Anglia: functions for the Taskforce and Working
Haughley Junction Improvements: Group will be provided by New Anglia
Supporting the delivery of improved Local Enterprise Partnership.
• Beaulieu Station Development services and investment across the
• Bow Junction Remodelling wider network in line with the ‘Our
and associated infrastructure Counties Connected’ Manifesto and
•
improvements
Improvements to signalling
maintaining an interest in work taking
place in other Rail Taskforce groups,
COMMUNICATIONS
headways between Colchester including the West Anglia Mainline and
and Shenfield. the Ely Area Improvements Taskforce.
The Taskforce recognises the significant
Our influential voice is heard in all Continuing to provide evidence-based interest in its work by a number of
consultations relevant to the network business cases for stakeholder groups and individuals,
(eg. level crossings; route studies; additional investment. including passengers, local authorities,
regional transport plans;
highways plans).
LEPs and businesses across East Anglia. 09 24
Driving innovation in integrated
service provision. The Taskforce will continue to keep
Collaborations are maintained and stakeholders fully informed with progress
built across all key stakeholder Building the coalitions of interest that and feedback and will encourage regular
groups so passenger and business will ensure our increasingly mobile and two-way communications, including
interests continue to be championed accessible economy is recognised as at events, to provide opportunities for
across the region and in government. a leading contributor to UK plc, and a everyone to shape and influence the
destination of choice for national and work of the Taskforce.
international business.
22 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENTSTAKEHOLDER ADVISORY
AND PANEL MEMBERS /
MEMBERS OBSERVERS
Giles Watling (Chair) – Member Therese Coffey – Member of Adam Bryan - Chief Executive Tony Potter - Principal Programme
of Parliament for Clacton Parliament for Suffolk Coastal Officer, South East LEP Client, Southeast, Anglia and
Enhancements Portfolio, Department
Alex Burghart – Member of Priti Patel - Member of Parliament George Kieffer - Vice Chairman, for Transport
Parliament for Brentwood for Witham South East LEP
and Ongar Jessica Parker - Programme Client
Vicky Ford – Member of Parliament Councillor Martin Wilby - Norfolk Assistant, South East, Anglia &
Sir Bernard Jenkin – Member of for Chelmsford County Council Enhancements Portfolio, Rail
Parliament for Harwich and Infrastructure – South, Department
North Essex Will Quince – Member of Councillor Alexander Nicoll - for Transport
Parliament for Colchester Suffolk County Council
Chloe Smith – Member of
Parliament for Norwich North Ellie Burrows - Route Director for Councillor Kevin Bentley - Essex
Anglia, Network Rail County Council
Clive Lewis – Member of
Parliament for Norwich South James Bradley - (Temporary) Head Chris Starkie - Chief Executive
of Strategic Planning, Network Rail Officer, New Anglia Local
James Cartlidge – Member of Enterprise Partnership
Parliament for South Suffolk Jean McEvoy - Senior Public Affairs
Manager, Anglia Route, Marie Finbow - Strategy Manager,
James Cleverly – Member of Network Rail New Anglia Local Enterprise
Parliament for Braintree Partnership (project manager for
Jamie Burles - Managing Director the Taskforce)
Jo Churchill – Member of of Greater Anglia
Parliament for Bury St Edmunds Hayley Mace - Head of
Jonathan Denby - Head of Communications, New Anglia
Richard Bacon MP – Member of Corporate Affairs, Greater Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership
Parliament for South Norfolk (communications manager for
David Burch - Director of Policy, the Taskforce)
Tom Hunt – Member of Parliament Essex Chamber of Commerce
for Ipswich
GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 23To find out more about the Great
Eastern Rail Campaign or Taskforce
visit www.newanglia.co.uk
t_ 01603 510070
e_ marie.finbow@newanglia.co.uk
GREAT
EASTERN
MAIN
LINE
THE CASE FOR
INVESTMENT
February 2021
24 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENTYou can also read
