All new smart motorways have now been scrapped by the Government due to “financial pressures” and “a lack of public confidence”.
After a number of concerns have been raised by motorists, campaigners, and MPs around the safety of smart motorways over the past couple of years, which eventually led to the rollout being suspended by the Department for Transport (DfT) back at the start of 2022, it has today been announced that all new smart motorways schemes are to be removed from the Government‘s road-building plans.
This includes the 11 schemes already paused from the second Road Investment Strategy, which were due to be completed in 2025, and the three earmarked for construction in the third round of the Strategy set for completion in 2023.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Transport Secretary Mark Harper have cited a number of “financial” pressures and “the current lack of public confidence felt by drivers” as the reasoning behind why the new smart motorways have been scrapped.
🆕 Plans for new smart motorways have been cancelled, recognising the lack of public confidence felt by drivers
Existing smart motorways will benefit from £900m safety improvements
This is because, according to the Government, initial estimations have suggested that constructing future smart motorway schemes would have cost more than £1 billion.
Cancelling these schemes will apparently allow “more time to track public confidence in smart motorways over a longer period”.
While no new stretches of road will be converted into smart motorways, it has been confirmed by the DfT today, however, that the M56 between J6-8 and M6 J21a-26 will still be completed, as construction is currently already over 75% complete.
Government scraps all new smart motorways over ‘lack of public confidence’ / Credit: Flickr
The Government says it’s also investing £900 million and is continuing to work with National Highways on “further safety improvements” on existing smart motorways – which includes progressing plans on installing 150 extra emergency areas across the network “in line with the commitments made in response to the Transport Select Committee”.
It also includes improving stopped vehicle detection technology on every all lane running smart motorway across the UK.
“We want the public to know that this government is listening to their concerns,” said Transport Secretary Mark Harper.
“Today’s announcement means no new smart motorways will be built, recognising the lack of public confidence felt by drivers and the cost pressures due to inflation.”
The Department for Transport (DfT) has also cited “financial pressures” / Credit: Flickr
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says he believes that all drivers “deserve to have confidence in the roads they use to get around the country.”
“Many people across the country rely on driving to get to work, to take their children to school, and go about their daily lives,” he explained.
“I want them to be able to do so with full confidence that the roads they drive on are safe.”
Featured Image – RAC
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‘Eyesore’ Northern Quarter car park to be redeveloped as ambitious new neighbourhood
Emily Sergeant
An underused multi-storey car park in the heart of the city centre is set to be sold and redeveloped as an ‘ambitious’ new neighbourhood.
The ‘eyesore’ car park situated in Manchester’s iconic Northern Quarter will be transformed into what Manchester City Council is hoping will become a green and sustainable neighbourhood set to complement the ‘unique and independent’ ethos of the area.
It comes after developers CBRE were appointed by the Council last year to market the Church Street site for disposal, ahead of seeking formal planning permission.
The new scheme will deliver more than 300 new homes – including 60 affordable homes – alongside new commercial opportunities and high-quality public spaces.
A before and proposed after of Church Street Car Park / Credit: Manchester City Council
It’s expected that the development will respect the heritage and architecture of the historic city centre neighbourhood and help to enhance the wider area, all while improving a car park site that has long fallen out of favour.
The new neighbourhood will also feature four new public squares and green spaces, along with opportunities for pedestrianising the surrounding streets as part of the public realm.
As mentioned, commercial space is also part of the plans, as the ground floor of the building will offer a mix of smaller, more affordable units to ensure local independent businesses can access the neighbourhood, alongside units for food and beverage outlets.
“For too long, the Church Street car park has been an eyesore and a barrier to the ongoing success of the Northern Quarter,” commented Cllr Bev Craig, who is the Leader of Manchester City Council.
“We want to bring forward a world-class development that has the potential to completely transform this part of the neighbourhood, together with the newest city centre public squares and green spaces.”
The final legal negotiations will conclude over the summer, and it’s expected that a public consultation will then take place to inform a future planning application.
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
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‘Major milestone’ as planning permission secured to transform Oldham town centre
Emily Sergeant
Planning permission has been granted for six transformational sites in Oldham town centre, with developers calling it a ‘major milestone’.
This approval marks a key step forward in Muse Places and Oldham Council‘s long-term partnership with a shared ambition to deliver a ‘vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable’ town centre that not only reflects Oldham’s heritage but also meets the needs of the people who live there.
Following ‘extensive consultation’ with the local community earlier this year, where hundreds of people took park and shared valuable feedback to help shape the proposals, a total of 1,619 new homes will be delivered as part of the plans, offering a mix of high-quality, energy-efficient apartments designed for families, older people, and young professionals.
The plans also include social and affordable housing provision too in a bid to help more local people find a home that suits their needs and circumstances.
According to the Council and developers, the approved plans will bring underused sites back into ‘productive’ use and support a ‘cleaner, greener’ future for Oldham, opening the door to new opportunities for local businesses and communities alike.
“This decision marks a key milestone in delivering on our promises for Oldham,” commented Cllr Arooj Shah, who is the Leader of Oldham Council.
Planning permission has been secured to transform Oldham town centre / Credit: Muse Places
“Oldham Council and Muse have a shared, ambitious vision to create a quality place that people genuinely want to spend time in.
“I am thrilled that we can continue moving forward with our plans, delivering high-quality homes, including the provision of social and affordable homes to meet local needs. We will also support local businesses and create opportunities for everyone, as part of a clean, green and sustainable future.
“Together, we are creating a place that we can all be proud of.”
Site investigation works are now complete at the Civic Centre, and works at Prince’s Gate will begin shortly, followed by the former Magistrates’ Court later this year.
With planning consent secured and preparatory works underway, construction at Prince’s Gate is expected to begin this autumn.