Package Of Rail, Cultural and Science Investment Announced

Chancellor George Osborne continued to show his support for the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ initiative at today’s Autumn Statement.

Adding to a range of initiatives already announced, the Chancellor revealed a £235m Sir Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials Science which is to be developed in Manchester with branches in Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield.

He also said that Pacer trains, currently used by Trans-Pennine Express and Northern Rail, will be replaced with tendering due to start soon. As part of the process, the Government said it was looking to increase capacity also.

During the statement, the Chancellor highlighted the recent devolution deal in  Manchester and said that his ‘door was open’ to proposals from other large cities across the North of England.