The conference, hosted by Built Environment Networking, will see some of the region’s biggest names in business, politics and local government lead a regional economic debate including updates on the proposed corridor and discussions on key topics including the industrial strategy, skills, housing, infrastructure and major developments. The corridor represents a phenomenal opportunity for the regions and will create opportunities, connectivity and communication between cities to drive economic development and growth.
Speakers include:
Buckinghamshire & Thames Valley LEP, Central Bedfordshire Council, Cranfield University, Darlow Hemphill, Department for International Trade, England’s Economic Heartland, Homes England, Institute of Economic Development, National Infrastructure Commission, O&H Properties, Packaged Living, Pinewood Studios, SmithsonHill, Transport Systems Catapult, University of Northampton, Urban Splash and more.
Emma Fletcher, Managing Director at SmithsonHill, said: “This is an exciting time for the knowledge intensive clusters in our region, with the Oxford-Cambridge corridor linking a number of key clusters across the country into a super-cluster. In order for this to be successful, we will not only have to deliver the necessary new infrastructure as and when it is needed, but gain engagement and buy-in from people who currently live and work in the corridor.”
Adrian Hames, Director – Head of Transport Planning at WSP, said: ‘’We’re delighted to see progress on nationally significant infrastructure for the Oxford to Cambridge corridor, but there’s still a lot of work to be done to speed up delivery and ensure it is Future Ready. With some of the highest housing prices in the country, the Arc is in desperate need of new homes adapted to all with the supporting infrastructure, so local communities can access jobs and health services. Local and international partners and stakeholders must now come together to maintain the momentum and ensure that we continue to identify and tackle the challenges facing delivery. We now need to put in place a joint infrastructure and housing plan for the heartland area to unlock growth, in line with the government ambitions.’’
Sharyn Scott, Marketing Campaigns Manager at Birketts, said: “The long-awaited transport and infrastructure improvements to the corridor between Oxford and Cambridge will be crucial to both Oxford and Cambridge helping to maintain their world-class status. They will also, and perhaps more importantly, be a key catalyst in transforming the settlements in-between – supporting the delivery of much-needed affordable housing, growth of the high-tech industries already established between Oxford and Cambridge and providing genuine east-west connectivity for the region.”
Keith Griffiths, MD of Built Environment Networking said: ‘’The long-awaited transport links between Oxford and Cambridge will not only improve connectivity and communication between the cities and those in-between, but it will provide the infrastructure to drive economic development and growth. The area could support a further 700,000 jobs by 2050, increasing GVA by more than £160bn. We’re delighted to be holding this event, to join businesses together who are essential to making this a success story.’’
More information or book tickets to the event on the 22nd January 2019
About Built Environment Networking
Built Environment Networking is the UK’s leading provider of networking events in the construction and property industry. They host over 70 events annually across the UK and Ireland from smaller evening events to large one-day conferences with subjects matters including HS2, Oxford Cambridge corridor and construction frameworks. The conferences are supported heavily by large developers, local and regional authorities, commission groups and more.