What infrastructure projects is Chancellor Rachel Reeves backing in the East of England? | ITV News Anglia

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imageThe Chancellor has confirmed the government is backing a raft of infrastructure projects across the East of England to help grow the economy.The centrepiece of Rachel Reeve’s speech was to deliver the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor which she says will boost the UK economy by up to £78 billion by 2035.Ms Reeve’s said the area between the two university cities had the potential to become “Europe’s Silicon Valley” and the project would be championed by Science Minister, Lord Patrick Vallance.What projects is the Chancellor backing in the East of England? EAST-WEST RAIL East West Rail involves boosting railway links between Oxford and Cambridge with new and upgraded lines.The scheme has three stages, with initial services from Oxford to Bletchley and Milton Keynes scheduled to begin this year.Ms Reeves said: “At the moment it takes two and a half hours to travel between oxford and Cambridge by train.”There is no way to commute directly by rail from places like Bedford and Milton Keynes to Cambridge and there is a lack of affordable housing across the region.”We are funding the transport links needed to make the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor a success, including East-West Rail, with new services between Oxford and Milton Keynes starting this year.”TEMPSFORD STATION A new railway station at Tempsford, Bedfordshire, would provide connections between the East Coast Main Line and East West Rail.Ms Reeves said: “At Tempsford, the nexus of the East Coast Main Line the A1 and East-West Rail, we will move quicker to deliver a mainline station, meaning journey times to London of under an hour and to Cambridge in under 30 minutes when East-West Rail is operational.”ROAD UPGRADES The Chancellor said the A428 in Bedfordshire would be “upgraded” to reduce journey times by road between Milton Keynes and Cambridge.HOUSES AND NEW TOWNS New housing developments along the East-West Rail route are likely to be given the go-ahead.Ms Reeves said: “East-West Rail will also support vibrant new and expanded communities along the route.”We have already received proposals for new towns along the new railway with 18 submissions for sizeable developments.”The Chancellor added that the Environment Agency has lifted its objections to a new development around Cambridge that could unlock 4,500 new homes and associated community spaces such as schools and leisure facilities.FENS RESERVOIR New reservoirs will be built to quash fears of a water shortage as new homes are built.The Government has agreed for water companies to invest £7.9 billion to improve infrastructure.Ms Reeves said: “Water infrastructure has also been a major hindrance to development in the region.”We have now agreed water resources management plans, unlocking £7.9 billion of investment in the next five years, including plans for the new Fens reservoir serving Cambridge.”CAMBRIDGE CANCER HOSPITAL As part of the new hospitals programme which was started by the previous government, a new Cambridge cancer research hospital will be prioritised.

Ms Reeves said: “A new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital is being prioritised for investment as part of wave one of the new hospital programme.”CAMBRIDGE INNOVATION HUB A new innovation hub in Cambridge.The Chancellor said: “I’m delighted that Cambridge University has come forward with new plans for an innovation hub at the centre of Cambridge to attract global investment and foster a community that catalysis innovation like other cities around the world like Boston and Paris have done.”OFFSHORE WIND Ms Reeves said she wanted deliver an extra 16 gigawatts of power from offshore wind in areas including East Anglia.She said: “Today I can also announce that we’re removing barriers to deliver 16 gigawatts of offshore wind by designating new marine protected areas, to enable the development of this technology in areas like East Anglia and Yorkshire, crowding in up to £30 billion of investment in home-grown, clean power.” LOWER THAMES CROSSING This is a new £9 billion road crossing between Kent and Essex which is aimed at reducing congestion on the Dartford Crossing.Ms Reeves said: “We will work with the private sector to deliver the infrastructure that our country desperately needs, this includes the Lower Thames Crossing which will improve connectivity at Dover, Felixstowe and Harwich, alleviating severe congestion as goods destined to export come from the North and the Midlands and across the country to markets overseas.”LUTON AIRPORT Luton airport in Bedfordshire wants the limit on its annual number of passengers to be raised from 18 million to 32 million.This would involve expanding its existing terminal and building a second terminal.

The scheme would not require a new runway or flight paths.Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is expected to make a final decision on whether to approve the scheme by 3 April.Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.

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