Central Trans-Pennine east-west connectivity study

THE CHALLENGE

SYSTRA worked in partnership with Cushman & Wakefield on behalf of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, together with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding LEP to explore the potential economic benefits that might arise across the North of England from enhanced connectivity between Lancashire, and North and West Yorkshire. Within this study we developed a strategic economic narrative to support the case for potential investment and intervention in both road and rail based connectivity across these three functional and connected economies comprising the Central Trans-Pennine Corridor.

SYSTRA’S ROLE

The study focus was on a wider economic impact case to understand the likely impacts of enhanced connectivity on the “real” economy. An evidence based quantitative and qualitative assessment to support the economic case for improved connectivity was set out. As part of this SYSTRA used the Department for Transport’s standard approach to modelling the wider economic benefits accrued from improved connectivity in terms of both agglomeration (business-to-business) and labour market benefits.