GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE

THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT

GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 1 Wells-next- the-sea A149 Cromer GREAT Bacton Fakenham A148 North Walsham

TO THE NORTH A140 EASTERN AND THE MIDLANDS Kings Lynn Dereham AIRPORT A47 Swaffham Norwich A47 A47 Great MAIN Downham Yarmouth Market Peterborough Attleborough A146 Lowestoft A10 Long A11 Stratton LINE Thetford A143

A12 Newmarket Diss A14 TO THE NORTH A14 AND THE MIDLANDS Bury A140 St Edmunds Sizewell A134

M11 KEY LOCATIONS Haverhill ALONG THE ROUTE Manningtree Felixstowe STANSTED TO SOUTH EAST AIRPORT Braintree AND LONDON A120

Witham Clacton

Brentwood Basildon A127 Stratford London Southend-on-Sea

2 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT productivity benefits are included. People rely on train travel to make The package of improvements we’re journeys that would be inconceivable asking for has the potential to create by car, such as commuting from 5,100 new jobs in Norwich, 5,400 jobs Chelmsford to Liverpool Street during FOREWORD in Ipswich, 10,000 jobs in Colchester, rush-hour. The GEML has a monopoly 8,400 jobs in Chelmsford and 3,700 on those who make these journeys new jobs in Southend. and, as they have no alternative, they need a reliable service. Without The financial benefit of journey time improvements to infrastructure on the savings is estimated at £6m annually. GEML, additional crowding is likely to result in reliability issues. “Over a 30-year period, The road network is also increasingly GILES journey time savings congested across our region and would equate to a total journey times by rail are highly WATLING MP competitive and improving when of £179m.” compared to road. As the economic cost (including consideration for CHAIR OF THE GREAT The total investment cost is estimated time, reliability etc) of travel by rail EASTERN MAIN LINE to be in the region of £660m. The becomes more competitive against TASKFORCE benefit cost ratio is clear at 5.6 the car, more people will switch from which means that for every pound of car travel, leading to further increased investment, £5.60 of economic benefits demand for rail. will be generated, representing very high value for money. Without these improvements, economic and population growth will Forecasts for population and be stifled and our ability to increase Businesses, local authorities and “We need a rail service passenger demand clearly show the our net contribution to UK plc will be education establishments across our region is set for significant growth over curtailed. region are calling on Government to that is not only fit for the next decade, which will inevitably invest in a faster, more reliable rail purpose, but one that is lead to more people using train This report asks the Government to service on the Great Eastern Main services across our region. recognise our strong and compelling Line (GEML). It will drive sustainable fit for the future.” case for investment in the rail economic regeneration and deliver But the economy along the GEML is infrastructure of the GEML to underpin There is strong and compelling long-term, clean, economic growth not performing as well as other areas the delivery of better services and evidence that investment in the across , and and within a similar distance to London. meet growing passenger demand. GEML could generate up to £9.3bn enable our region to contribute more It is also not growing as fast as other in economic benefits for the region to UK plc. areas and is continuing to fall further once the wider agglomeration and behind over time.

GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 3 GREAT EASTERN MAINLINE TASKFORCE

The Great Eastern Main Line (GEML) Rollout of new train fleet is well Funding secured through the Taskforce was created in November under way with all new Housing and Infrastructure Fund for 2013 by the then Chancellor trains now in service across Beaulieu Station and the passing George Osborne to campaign for the region and the rollout of loop, which will provide additional rail improvements on the mainline. the suburban trains due to be capacity and improved network The Chancellor recognised then complete mid-2022. resilience, benefiting the entire that the GEML rail service simply mainline. Delivery of Beaulieu wasn’t fit for purpose and asked for Franchise agreements have station and passing loop are a Taskforce to define how we could been temporarily replaced by fundamental to this business case. have faster, better journey times Emergency Recovery Measures between Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk, Agreements (ERMAs), due to However, even with these investments, provide evidence of the economic the pandemic situation. In East the speed and level of service across benefits to be had from investment in Anglia, the ERMA with Greater the Great Eastern Main Line still falls the railway, and to report back with Anglia is expected to be followed below that of other mainline routes in recommendations. by a direct award contract for the UK. three to five years, after which The report was submitted to a new longer term contract for The key focus for the Taskforce has Government in November 2014 and the operation of services in East therefore shifted slightly to ensuring since then much progress has Anglia is due to be let. additional infrastructure investments, been made: outside the remit of the Emergency was awarded £2.2bn Recovery Measures Agreement, are Greater Anglia (owned by Abellio for the region for delivered to enable the GEML to be and Mitsui) was announced as the operations, maintenance and the catalyst for economic growth new franchise holder for services renewals of the Anglia network across our region. across East Anglia up to 2025. up to March 2024, reflecting a 21% increase compared to the The new franchise agreement previous five-year period. included the investment of £1.4bn in new trains to completely replace the fleet and new “The key focus for the Taskforce has shifted slightly timetables to deliver significant improvements in journey times, to ensuring additional infrastructure investments” capacity and frequency.

4 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT CONTEXT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The outbreak of Covid-19 and difficult to accurately predict the resulting pandemic has developed long-term impact of the pandemic. rapidly with far-reaching Throughout these uncertain times, impacts on the economy and the railway has played a vital role in business across the country. ensuring Britain’s key workers can Lockdown measures have led travel and vital supplies are kept to unprecedented shutdowns moving. As the country emerges of large parts of the economy from its third lockdown with the simultaneously, with effects being help of the rollout of vaccines, transmitted quickly across all it remains difficult to accurately sectors. Although restrictions are predict the long-term impact of now beginning to ease, it remains the pandemic.

GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 5 We are ambitious for future growth creative sector anchored by nationally across our region. Since 2014, more recognised tech clusters centred on than £911m of government funding Ipswich and Norwich’s fast-growing ABOUT OUR has been secured by New Anglia LEP digital creative hubs. Across Essex, the and South East LEP for investment in a creative sector is expanding fast, with range of projects to improve skills, drive emerging concentrations of REGION innovation, support growing businesses digital activity. and improve transport and other infrastructure. With specialisms in telecoms, cyber security, quantum technology, artificial Our area boasts one of Britain’s most intelligence, Internet of Things, important concentrations of vital user experience design, marine and infrastructure assets, including its largest microbiome research, the area has ports, its only international rail link some of the highest concentrations of and four airports; as well as being the knowledge-intensive jobs in the UK. epicentre of the world’s largest market for Home to the largest agri-food sector in offshore wind energy, with expertise in all the UK, it boasts world-leading research forms of energy generation. into plant and soil technology, agricultural systems and health. Building on centuries of innovation, our region is pioneering the technologies Our region is one of the fastest growing and science needed to power, feed and areas in the UK. The population across connect a growing national and global Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk is set to rise population for a cleaner and more significantly with around320,000 new sustainable future. homes planned between 2016 and 2036, including the creation of a new generation There are few places which are so of ‘garden communities’. uniquely equipped to make telling contributions to the major challenges “In total, 80,000 of these facing the world in the 21st century – food properties are expected to be and energy security, healthy ageing and living with environmental change in a built within a 15 mile radius world where technology is of the rail line, representing a advancing rapidly. significant increase in the local population.” We are also vital to UK plc, being one of only two net contributor regions to the But future growth depends on our Treasury and generating a combined region being mobile and accessible and 1 annual GVA of over £70bn fundamental to this success is the quality Our region is at the cutting-edge of digital and reliability of the GEML. It is the pivotal innovation, with a globally competitive artery and the lifeblood for our economy. communications technology and digital

6 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT 1 Enterprising Essex: Opportunities and Challenges, Jan 2017; Norfolk and Suffolk Local Industrial Strategy, 2019 OUR ASK

Bow Junction remodelling and associated infrastructure including signalling (with required improvements to London Liverpool Street and Stratford stations) to increase Improved signalling between Line speed improvements capacity, connectivity and and Colchester to give an hourly 90 minute improve performance to provide further capacity service to Norwich, with and resilience. improvements benefits along the line

7GREAT — THE EASTERN CASE FOR MAIN INVESTMENT LINE — 7 THE CHALLENGE

GRANTHAM Pop: 45k LEICESTER Time: 70 mins Pop: 416k Time: 73 mins PETERBOROUGH NORWICH Pop: 178k Pop: 197k Time: 51 mins Time: 110 mins COVENTRY Pop: 376k Time: 62 mins

LUTON BATH Pop: 222k COLCHESTER Pop: 103k Time: 34 mins IPSWICH Time: 81 mins Pop: 136k Pop: 149k MILTON KEYNES Time: 56 mins Pop: 184k Time: 70 mins Time: 38 mins SWINDON CHELMSFORD Pop: 193k Pop: 118k Time: 54 mins Time: 35 mins READING

1

0 5 7 S Pop: 259k 3 0 S 0 5 E S 0

L E M E M M I Time: 25 mins M L L I I I I I M I L L L L M

LONDON E E M E E 0

S S S 0 5 S

0

1 7 5

8 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT ONS estimates of 2018 population for major towns and cities (and Grantham BUASD) Average GJTC (time, journeys weighted) from MOIRA2 for Winter 2019 with no crowding, city zones or route codes We want our economy to contribute travelling to and from London in 2032, are likely to adversely affect both businesses to choose from. Performance more to UK plc. Around 90 million compared with 2019. journey times and capacity of existing businesses would suffer, as passenger journeys were made in 2017- their access to pools of employment or 18 to/from and within GEML stations, Although the new trains provide 20% Improvements to the GEML will the markets they need diminish, making with more than 90% of these journeys more seats into Liverpool Street, as therefore benefit both passengers them less competitive. Businesses could being made to/from other the economy and population continue and freight services. A more resilient either fail or relocate to areas where GEML stations. to grow along the GEML, more people and reliable GEML will benefit the there is better infrastructure to support will want to use the railway and the freight industry through a reduction in them. As people move closer to these But rail services to destinations along additional seating offered by the new unexpected delays. It will also enable businesses, deprivation could increase, the GEML corridor are simply not trains will not be sufficient. By 2039, growth at the Port of Felixstowe, especially in areas where employment competitive when compared to other passengers will be standing on a third creating jobs in the industry as well becomes scarce.2 UK destinations. It takes 40 minutes of the GEML trains arriving at London as enabling the removal of HGVs longer to travel from London to Norwich Liverpool Street between the peak from the local, regional and national Without an efficient and fast railway, (98 miles), than it does to travel from hour of 8-9 am on weekdays. road networks, with the positive people will look for alternative ways to London to Grantham (99 miles), and environmental and safety impacts. travel and this is most likely to include almost 30 minutes longer than travelling Better infrastructure is proven to driving – leading to further congestion from London to Bath (96 miles). A improve productivity and efficiency We simply cannot afford to lose this on the road network and increasing air journey from London to Peterborough and will give the towns on the GEML a opportunity to secure investment for pollution, accidents and noise. These (74 miles) only takes 51 minutes, better chance at competing with other the GEML. impacts make places less desirable to compared with a journey from London locations in the UK. live. The combined impact of increased to Ipswich (66 miles) which takes Without improvements to the capacity road usage will make businesses less 70 minutes. The GEML is a core freight network and speed of this key artery across likely to want to invest in the area and This gives other areas of the UK corridor connecting the UK rail network the , economic and people less likely to want to a competitive advantage with the to the Port of Felixstowe. Conflicts population growth will be stifled and our live there. potential to attract business activity between passenger and freight services ability to increase our net contribution to away from the GEML corridor. are already developing and with both UK plc will be curtailed. The critical freight transport industry sectors forecast to grow significantly, in the area will also suffer as the Port The GEML is not only slower in and these will almost certainly become As other areas become more of Felixstowe is not able to distribute comparison to other UK mainlines – it more acute. This is likely to cause competitive, we could see businesses as much freight by rail as anticipated also has less capacity. Forecasts indicate increased delays and reliability issues, relocating to more prosperous areas, – impacting on efficient distribution of passenger demand will grow year- as well as making timetabling more slowing the demand for housing freight for the whole country. on-year, with 30% more passengers challenging. Ultimately these conflicts and reducing the labour supply for

09 24

GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 9 2 GEML Strategic Outline Business Case, 2020 Phase 1

Infrastructure upgrades to boost capacity on the GEML, comprising Bow Junction remodelling and associated infrastructure (including signalling) and improvements to London Liverpool Street and Stratford stations in order to facilitate increases in THE passenger numbers. PLAN Phase 2 Our Plan includes three In addition to Bow Junction remodelling in phase 1, a programme of further infrastructure incremental phases of upgrades that act incrementally to further boost peak capacity, including resignalling between enhancements to the GEML: Shenfield and Colchester to facilitate the necessary headway reductions.

Phase 3

In addition to the capacity updates included in Phase 2, a programme of upgrades that acts incrementally in order to deliver improved journey times on the GEML. The schemes included within this phase are:

Enhancements to level crossings north of Colchester to facilitate an increase in off-peak services, including a third train per hour to Norwich.

A programme of infrastructure upgrades south of Colchester to increase line speeds with one train per hour off-peak achieving ‘Norwich in 90’ calling at Ipswich (60 minutes) and Colchester (40 minutes) as a minimum.

The overall scheme, combining these three phases of work, represents “Very High Value for Money”. The individual components are stepping stones to unlocking the economic benefits the programme delivers as a whole, while helping maintain our position as a net contributor to HM Treasury, and helping support the Government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda.

10 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT Further research has shown the investment could also unlock an additional £1.3bn of capital investment along the route.

Delivering the Great Eastern Main Line package of improvements could generate up to £9.3bn in economic benefits once the wider agglomeration and productivity benefits are included.

A total of 4,150 temporary In addition, the package of construction jobs will be created by improvements has the potential to investing and improving the GEML. create 5,100 new jobs in Norwich, 5,400 jobs in Ipswich, 10,000 jobs in Colchester, 8,400 jobs in Chelmsford and 3,700 new jobs in Southend.

The financial benefit of journey time All the assessments show this savings are estimated at £6m annually. scheme is capable of generating 09 24 Over a 30-year period, this equates to very high value for money and total journey time savings of £179m. This compares with up-front capital therefore should be progressed for investment of £660m, with a Benefit implementation as a priority. to Cost Ratio of 5.6 - representing very high value for money. It means that there are £5.60 of economic benefits for every pound the investment costs the taxpayer.

GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 11 Improved accessibility and image benefits to other existing and A planned employment areas across the GEML route, increasing the attractiveness to occupiers. Futura Park includes North East Chelmsford Garden Community, Norwich COMPELLING Research Park, Broadland Business Park, Gateway 14 in Stowmarket, Futurapark and Sproughton CASE Enterprise Park in Ipswich. Improved access to employment opportunities for both existing and future residents of the five key locations, helping reduce local unemployment and increase labour market participation. The GEML Taskforce has already The package of enhancements will made a strong case for wider generate £9.3bn in economic benefits, Supporting short-term and longer- investment, and we have already as well as the following wider rewards term objectives for economic growth seen some significant success, with a for our region: and productivity improvements brand new fleet of trains being rolled across the whole of the GEML. out across our region. Expanding the range and quantity The case for investment is clear of housing available to residents of Contributing to Government’s net – the region is already a net But there is still a strong and the key locations along the GEML zero carbon economy by 2050 contributor to UK plc and for compelling case for further investment route – Chelmsford, Colchester, by actively encouraging more the Midlands and the North to in the GEML, which will enable us Ipswich, Norwich and Southend sustainable train travel, in addition to flourish, we need investment to truly capitalise on the economic the recent introduction of the new in the GEML to enable it to potential across our region. Supporting development of £1.4bn environmentally-friendly continue to grow; to support modern commercial/business train fleet. national productivity and to facilities within key centres along maximise the benefit of our the route, enhancing the image Supporting and safeguarding one of region to provide a significant of these locations and attracting the most successful rail franchises number of jobs; development further businesses and investment in the country, with a strong track land for homes and more in key commercial centres such as record in generating net revenue opportunities for our residents. Chelmsford, Ipswich, and Norwich. contributions back to government to, in turn, unlock further economic opportunities elsewhere across the country.

12 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT The case for investment is clear – the region is already a net contributor to UK plc and for “Thethe Midlands region and the is North already to flourish, we need investment a netin the GEMLcontributor to enable it to to continue to grow; to support UKnational plc productivity and for and the to maximise the benefit of our Midlandsregion to provide and a significant the Northnumber toof jobs; flourish, development we land for homes and more needopportunities investment for our residents. in the GEML to enable it to continue to grow”

GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 13 APPENDIX 1 SUPPORT FROM BUSINESSES

Andy Wood, CEO Adnams and chair, Stephen R. Britt, Managing Director, Visit East of England Anchor Storage Ltd

“A faster more reliable train service “For the occasional Inter-City across Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex commuter, a reliable and fast service is essential as we build back from between Norwich, Ipswich and Coronavirus. The ability to access London Liverpool Street is essential. all our region has to offer in a timely The recent introduction of brand new and environmentally friendly way will rolling stock will cover part of the benefit both our economy and requirement, but investment in the rail, the planet.” signaling and station infrastructure is now overdue and essential to make the most of the new trains.

Furthermore, the smoother ride and updated facilities in the carriages allow passengers to work while on the move, be this preparation for a meeting on the outward journey or writing some post-meeting notes on the return.

Looking to the future, a reliable, fast and modern-looking service will attract more visitors, in both directions, and increase the off-peak usage.”

14 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT Corrienne Peasgood OBE, Principal, Ashleigh Seymour-Rutherford, Chief City College Norwich Executive, Colbea

“In these uncertain times, we need “SMEs are integral to the economy to remove any barriers which young and more reliable train services in people face – better transport Essex would benefit all businesses. links are a priority for some of our It’s these connections which are biggest employers and they open invaluable, and investment into this opportunities for everyone. At City infrastructure would also underpin the College Norwich we’re training foundations of support for our SMEs.” tomorrow’s workforce. We’re proud of the part our students can play in boosting Norfolk’s economy and helping the eastern region to build a Colin Crawford, Director, Electric stronger future. Fit-for-purpose links Palace (Harwich) Ltd to the rest of the country are a vital component in making sure that our “We support an increase in journey county and our region can grow and times on the Great Eastern Main line prosper so we’re right behind the from London Liverpool Street to campaign to improve rail links with the at least as far as Ipswich by raising rest of the UK.” the limit to 110 mph for most of the line from Shenfield to Manningtree. Allowing a time of 45 minutes Liverpool St to Manningtree (average 80 mph).”

GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 15 Denise Rossiter, Chief Executive, George Kieffer, Chairman, Haven Paul Davey, Head of Corporate David Ellesmere, Leader, Ipswich Essex Chambers of Commerce Gateway Partnership Affairs, Hutchinson Ports Borough Council

“We know the importance of our “The GEML is the only rail connection “The Port of Felixstowe is a vital “I am pleased to back this campaign. railways to businesses and the that North Essex and South Suffolk gateway for international trade for the Our residents, visitors and businesses communities they serve. We fully businesses, including the UK’s largest country. Fifty percent of Felixstowe rely on our railways and the provision support this campaign to get further container port at Felixstowe, have with traffic to/from the North moves by of a dependable and fast railway investment in our rail infrastructure in London, and the network has among rail. Improvements to the line are service to and from London is vital for order to maximise the benefits of the the most branch-line connections essential to boost trade, achieve net- the economic wellbeing of Ipswich and rail network to businesses of all types in the country. A regular and timely zero carbon emissions and rebalance the wider area.” and sizes.” service is essential to enable our the economy.” businesses to deliver employment and prosperity and rebuild the economy as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.” “Chelmsford Railway Jon Shooter, Managing Director, Station is the busiest two Glazing Vision platform train station Neil Miles, CEO, Inawisdom outside of London, and “We are a business based in Diss, serves 8.5 million passenger Norfolk and the majority of our clients “I fully support the campaign for trips per year. Improved are in London. We need a faster a faster, more reliable train service and more reliable service so we can across Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. As capacity on the GEML is provide a better service to our clients. a local business owner, I am keen to vital to assist with relieving “We have salespeople travelling to attract local talent, as well as easily pressures on the existing London every week and clients visiting connect with customers and partners. station. The new Beaulieu us from London, and we have constant An improved train service is critical for Park Station and passing disruption to our plans due to the our growth, as well as an economic loop will help to deliver reliability of the train service to and boost for this UK net contributing increased capacity on the local economy.” from London.” line and provides both local and wider strategic benefits.”

Vicky Ford, MP

16 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT Paul Clement, Chief Executive, Alastair Moss, Chair of the Planning Ipswich Central and Transportation Committee, Corporation “As the county town of Suffolk, Ipswich is a natural and vital gateway “The City Corporation supports better between the UK, Europe and the world national and international connections beyond. It is a centre for technology, to the Square Mile as part of our creativity and business, home to Transport Strategy. We are therefore one of the nation’s fastest growing supportive of further investment into populations, and a destination for the Great Eastern Main Line. visitors to Constable’s country and the East. Yet, while equal in distance “Increasing capacity and reducing to London as Cambridge, Milton journey times for rail travel between Keynes and numerous other centres, East Anglia and the City of London our potential is constrained by our rail is beneficial for all areas on the network links to the capital. network. Links to the capital are vitally important for the commuters and The rail link between London Liverpool visitors that we expect to return after Street and Norwich, on which Ipswich the current restrictions are eased. is located at the mid-point, has suffered years of underinvestment. But “Additionally, the City Corporation is the region, and Ipswich in particular, is dedicated to taking radical climate now worthy of a much faster service, action. Every polluting vehicle taken fit for the new age. off streets contributes to that goal and investment in rail is just one of many Ipswich Central and the 625 town ways in which we can improve air centre businesses that we represent quality for residents, workers are pleased to support the campaign.” and visitors.”

GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 17 Paul Norton, Managing Director, Harrods Aviation Ltd

“Reliable transport links are essential for any thriving economy. For too long, despite our proximity to London, the people of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk have suffered with both a poor road network and a train service that frequently fails to deliver. It is essential if we want our economy to thrive that the rail system is upgraded and improved sooner rather than later. Harrods Aviation is pleased to be able to support any initiative which enables rail users to get into Essex reliably and efficiently.”

“The enhancements that we’re asking for will improve rail infrastructure, journey times, and capacity in Colchester, an area in which housing is developing at a considerable rate, as well as providing much- needed benefits to rail infrastructure across East Anglia, which is seeing an ever-growing number of commuters and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Will Quince, MP

18 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT Paul Briddon, Senior Partner, Richard Goffin, Port Director Medway Cllr Martin Wilby, Cabinet Member John Dugmore, Chief Executive, Lovewell Blake LLP and Great Yarmouth, Peel Ports for Highways and Infrastructure, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce Norfolk County Council “The Great Eastern Main Line is a vital “We are committed to ongoing port “Suffolk Chamber of Commerce artery of interconnection for business infrastructure investments which “Norfolk County Council has long believes that an efficient and reliable in the Eastern region. It is clear that ought to be matched by improved supported shorter journey times rail infrastructure remains at the heart prior to the Covid-19 pandemic it was road and rail enhancements by the to London. These are particularly of our region’s long-term rebalancing already at capacity at peak times. public sector. As an example, we have important for business travelers. We and recovery from the effects of the Further planned development along worked collaboratively with Norfolk know that being able to meet – and Covid-19 pandemic. the route will test that capacity County Council to support the Third to get there and back in a day – is further still. Any increase in delays or River Crossing in Great Yarmouth. important. Faster, reliable journeys “We also believe that the region’s additional cancellations will have a will help businesses already here in pivotal geographical position between direct impact on the economy of the “A faster, more reliable and more Norfolk as well as encourage further the rest of the world and other region. That is why we support the frequent rail service across Norfolk, economic investment.” regions in the UK make improvements campaign for additional investment in Suffolk and Essex would very much to this infrastructure vital to national this vital transport link.” contribute to the economic success economic prosperity post-Brexit of Great Yarmouth Port, not least providing ease of movement for the “That is why, on behalf of labour market and supporting greater our members and the wider investment into the region.” Suffolk business community, we wholeheartedly support the Councillor Alexander Nicoll, Deputy aspirations of the GEML Taskforce.” Cabinet Member for Transport Ben McGuire, Chief Operating Suffolk County Council Officer, Mirus Aircraft Seating Ltd “Suffolk County Council strongly backs “Mirus is supportive of the campaign the vision being taken forward by the for a faster, more reliable rail network GEML Taskforce. Better journey times in the region. With so many of our and increased service frequency will International customers commuting to help Suffolk residents and businesses us from the capital, our rail network is and all GEML partners will share in the integral to both ours and the region’s wider benefits which will flow from continued economic growth.” this project and be felt across the eastern region. It is also timely to bring forward a project to enhance railway services as part of decarbonising our environment and reducing traffic volumes on our roads’”

GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 19 Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive Stefan Gurney, Executive Director, Richard Perkins, Director, Alex Durand, Chief Executive, Officer, Norfolk Chambers Norwich Business Commercial Property Asset SaxonAir Charter Ltd of Commerce Improvement District Management Consultancy “East Anglia outperforms most “Norfolk Chambers of Commerce is “The Norwich BID fully supports Great “As a Lowestoft-based business other parts of the UK, despite delighted to support the Great Eastern Eastern Main Line Taskforce goals and established over 25 years ago, the completely inadequate and unreliable Mainline Campaign. To ensure Norfolk specifically the opportunity to deliver inadequacy of rapid, reliable and transport links. A more reliable and businesses remain accessible and a high-quality resilient and adaptable effective rail connections both within comprehensive train service would competitive, we need a faster more train infrastructure for Norwich. We East Anglia and to destinations release the region’s potential, allowing reliable rail service. The introduction of support investments that will drive outside, particularly London, has fuller participation in the wider UK new rolling stock is a much-welcomed sustainable economic regeneration reduced our productivity and the economy, as well as improving access improvement, but to capitalise we also and deliver long-term, clean, economic ability to grow the business to international connectivity.” need to see reduced journey times and growth, ensuring that Norwich more rapidly.” upgrading of the track infrastructure continues to grow and develop as a along this essential route. An improved progressive, liveable, dynamic and rail service will enable the Norfolk connected city. We have been actively business community to deliver more involved in the development of the economic growth and jobs into plan and it is an ambitious plan for an our region.” ambitious city.”

Ian Hacon, CEO, Yellow Brick Road Solutions Ltd t/a energise.me and Director of Zaks (UK) Ltd “These improvements are Professor Helen Langton, Vice-chancellor and CEO, “While right now people are travelling about achieving best value: University of Suffolk removing choke points on less, this will come back and the fast the railway which at present links between London and Norwich “The University of Suffolk is very are vital for us to reach one of our limit capacity and cause supportive of the need for a faster, primary markets and access funders delays. These much-needed more reliable train service to cover our and advisors in the city. enhancements will enable us region. This will enable more people to to maximise the capabilities access education and training as well “A fast, reliable train service is an of the new trains. And as other business and industry, and important part of the transport passengers across East contribute more fully to the growth of infrastructure and is vital to a key skills and our economy, which is Anglia certainly deserve thriving visitor economy. Day visits, vital for our long-term sustainability in particular, can give a massive more investment for the and to recover from Covid-19.” fares they pay.” boost to our economy.”

Sir Bernard Jenkin, MP

20 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT APPENDIX 2 GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE TASKFORCE TERMS OF REFERENCE (UPDATED JANUARY 2020) INTRODUCTION

East Anglia is a successful part of the The Great Eastern Main Line (GEML) is UK economy and one of the fastest an extremely busy, electrified and largely growing. Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex two-track railway, running between generate over £60bn in GVA for the London Liverpool Street and Norwich, economy each year – expected to reach serving several significant towns and more than £75bn by 2026. Considerable cities. The GEML also connects with growth in housing and employment multiple branch lines, with significant will be based in a large part on the freight movements to and from Felixstowe. continued success of many dynamic and innovative sectors and businesses based Services are operated by Greater Anglia here, with more being attracted from under a franchise agreement which was within the UK and overseas. awarded in October 2016 to run services across East Anglia until 2025. The franchise This summarises the key findings of “Once includes £1.4 billion in brand-new rolling in a generation – a rail prospectus for East stock to completely replace the fleet, Anglia” published in 2012 which set out a with new timetables to deliver significant programme for rail improvements across improvements in journey times, capacity the region, and included the compelling and frequency. However, even with these business case for significant investment investments, the speed and level of service along the Great Eastern Main Line across the GEML still falls below that of (GEML), in particular, new rolling stock other mainline routes in the UK. and the reduction of journey times – the so called “Norwich in 90” “Ipswich in 60” The key focus for the GEML Taskforce “Colchester in 40” concept. has therefore shifted slightly to ensuring that additional infrastructure investments, To campaign for this investment the Great outside the remit of the franchise agreement, Eastern Mainline Taskforce was created are delivered to ensure the continued in November 2013, at the invitation of the improvement required to address the then Chancellor, George Osborne. expected future demands on the line.

GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 21 FOCUS AND PRIORITIES WORKING FROM NOW ON ARRANGEMENTS

The focus of the GEML Taskforce is Constructive and mutually supportive The Taskforce will continue to be a to ensure: working relationships between the strategic body, coordinating with local Taskforce and service providers are stakeholders, providing overall direction Funding is secured to deliver the at the heart of delivering the new and identifying options for funding. following critical projects which investments and improved services. impact on achieving Norwich in 90, The secretariat and project management Ipswich in 60 and Colchester in 40 And across East Anglia: functions for the Taskforce and Working Haughley Junction Improvements: Group will be provided by New Anglia Supporting the delivery of improved Local Enterprise Partnership. • Beaulieu Station Development services and investment across the • Bow Junction Remodelling wider network in line with the ‘Our and associated infrastructure Counties Connected’ Manifesto and improvements maintaining an interest in work taking • Improvements to signalling place in other Rail Taskforce groups, COMMUNICATIONS headways between Colchester including the West Anglia Mainline and and Shenfield. the Ely Area Improvements Taskforce. The Taskforce recognises the significant Our influential voice is heard in all Continuing to provide evidence-based interest in its work by a number of consultations relevant to the network business cases for stakeholder groups and individuals, (eg. level crossings; route studies; additional investment. including passengers, local authorities, regional transport plans; LEPs and businesses across East Anglia. 09 24 highways plans). Driving innovation in integrated service provision. The Taskforce will continue to keep Collaborations are maintained and stakeholders fully informed with progress built across all key stakeholder Building the coalitions of interest that and feedback and will encourage regular groups so passenger and business will ensure our increasingly mobile and two-way communications, including interests continue to be championed accessible economy is recognised as at events, to provide opportunities for across the region and in government. a leading contributor to UK plc, and a everyone to shape and influence the destination of choice for national and work of the Taskforce. international business.

22 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT STAKEHOLDER ADVISORY AND PANEL MEMBERS / MEMBERS OBSERVERS

Giles Watling (Chair) – Member Therese Coffey – Member of Adam Bryan - Chief Executive Tony Potter - Principal Programme of Parliament for Clacton Parliament for Suffolk Coastal Officer, South East LEP Client, Southeast, Anglia and Enhancements Portfolio, Department Alex Burghart – Member of Priti Patel - Member of Parliament George Kieffer - Vice Chairman, for Transport Parliament for Brentwood for South East LEP and Ongar Jessica Parker - Programme Client Vicky Ford – Member of Parliament Councillor Martin Wilby - Norfolk Assistant, South East, Anglia & Sir Bernard Jenkin – Member of for Chelmsford County Council Enhancements Portfolio, Rail Parliament for Harwich and Infrastructure – South, Department North Essex Will Quince – Member of Councillor Alexander Nicoll - for Transport Parliament for Colchester Suffolk County Council Chloe Smith – Member of Parliament for Norwich North Ellie Burrows - Route Director for Councillor Kevin Bentley - Essex Anglia, Network Rail County Council Clive Lewis – Member of Parliament for Norwich South James Bradley - (Temporary) Head Chris Starkie - Chief Executive of Strategic Planning, Network Rail Officer, New Anglia Local James Cartlidge – Member of Enterprise Partnership Parliament for South Suffolk Jean McEvoy - Senior Public Affairs Manager, Anglia Route, Marie Finbow - Strategy Manager, James Cleverly – Member of Network Rail New Anglia Local Enterprise Parliament for Braintree Partnership (project manager for Jamie Burles - Managing Director the Taskforce) Jo Churchill – Member of of Greater Anglia Parliament for Bury St Edmunds Hayley Mace - Head of Jonathan Denby - Head of Communications, New Anglia Richard Bacon MP – Member of Corporate Affairs, Greater Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership Parliament for (communications manager for David Burch - Director of Policy, the Taskforce) Tom Hunt – Member of Parliament Essex Chamber of Commerce for Ipswich

GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE — 23 To find out more about the Great Eastern Rail Campaign or Taskforce visit www.newanglia.co.uk

t_ 01603 510070 e_ [email protected]

GREAT EASTERN MAIN LINE

THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT

February 2021

24 — THE CASE FOR INVESTMENT