This week in an announcement made by ministers, it has been claimed that by developing railway stations and the land that surrounds them it could be creating thousands of new homes and job opportunities.
It will also supposedly notably boost the local growth of the surrounding area.
It is the belief of the government that this will allow up to 10,000 new homes to be built around rail stations. There have already been three local authorities that have put forward impressive proposals for the initial sites that will help with regenerating town centres.
Greg Clark has highlighted a contract between the national rail service and the Homes and Communities Agency, which will see them working with local councils on trail blazing development opportunities. Ministers are waiting and wanting to hear from at least 20 local authorities in order to take the project forward.
Three councils that have come forward with proposals regarding the new scheme are York, Swindon and Taunton. These councils have recognised railway sites that would be suitable for development of houses and other locally led regeneration schemes.
Going from the examples, Birmingham New Street, Manchester Victoria and London Kings Cross, and their conversions, the government is creating a technical expertise and local knowledge in order to expand of the development opportunities across the entire rail estate.
Greg Clark has said:
“Rail stations are a hub of communities, connectivity and commerce and should be making the most of their unique potential to attract investment and opportunities. This new initiative will bring about a step change in development and ensure we go further and faster in putting these rail sites to good use.”
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has said:
“I’m pleased to see that exciting visions for regeneration at Swindon, Taunton and York are being developed, with the potential for hundreds of additional homes and new businesses.”
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