In the run up to the Autumn Statement, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced the Government will change its debt rules in order to free up billions for infrastructure investment in the UK.

Paul Morris, director in our Manchester studio, shares why this presents a critical opportunity to prioritise investment to create structures and places that will have a positive impact on the environment and enable people to lead happier and healthier lives:

Paul Morris, director at Civic Engineers, commented: “A capital boost and strategic plan for the delivery of infrastructure in the UK is long overdue and hugely welcome. But it also represents a critical opportunity for us to focus on sustainable living and community making as we repurpose our streets for the future.

“Our cities are rapidly getting warmer and wetter, and it’s vital that we respond to the climate, biodiversity and health and wellbeing crises, and create attractive places for people to spend time outdoors in urban areas.

“Take the newly-opened Kingsway in Stretford, where we have reclaimed more than half of an out-of-scale dual carriageway, and repurposed it for walking, wheeling, cycling and spending time. Planting along the street provides nature-based surface water drainage, significantly lowering the rate at which rainfall enters the sewer system, reducing flood risk, whilst creating an attractive setting and providing new habitat for wildlife.

“Climate resilient schemes like this, Altrincham town centre’s regeneration, Glasgow’s ‘Avenues’, London’s Gascoigne Estate and Climate Innovation District in Leeds are just a few examples that should act as a benchmark for infrastructure investment in the UK.” [Altrincham town centre photo credit: Planit]