Severn Barrage Construction Likely Following Project Assessments

Severn Barrage Artist Impression
Source BBC

The proposed construction of the Severn Barrage appears to be moving forward in terms of studies commissioned by the appointment of experienced construction companies and their assessments to be conducted, despite the project having not being yet officially approved by the UK Government. 

The project assessors include Arup, Bechtel, Mott MacDonald and URS that will conduct and produce a detailed business report proposing its construction. The whole project is estimated at a value of around £25bn which is being led by the Hafren Power consortium. Furthermore, this project is envisaged and to be constructed solely from private and business finance funding.

In terms of economic benefits to the Welsh economy primarily, these are many including the creation of around 50,000 jobs in South Wales which in turn will supply the UK with around 5% electricity of its total requirements.

Hafren Power chief executive Tony Pryor said: “Government has an open mind on our proposal and we are working hard to provide further details of construction, environmental and business impacts and mitigation. These companies have successful track records in delivering large infrastructure projects and are bringing considerable expertise and momentum to the process. As part of the energy mix, tidal power is greatly under-utilised. As a sustainable energy source the Severn estuary barrage will help the UK meet its renewable energy requirements. The engineering could also become the standard for schemes elsewhere in the world.”

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Taskforce Created to Help Newport City Centre Economic Development

Source e-architect.co.uk

A new taskforce led by Simon Gibson of Wesley Clover has been appointment in order to study and develop a practical strategy regarding an economic regeneration attempt at Newport city centre in the short to medium term.

Among its framework of operation it includes an analysis on the best strategy to attract businesses and thus rejuvenate the Newport City Centre  where a report is scheduled to be ready in the next six months.
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Other members of this taskforce include: Mark Barry, Ian Edwards from the Celtic Manor Resort,  Prof Julie Lydon vice-chancellor of the University of South Wales,  Ben Milsom, Simon Powell of Eysys and Sian Wilton, head of Boots UK Wales and West division.

Simon Gibson stated: “I am looking forward to working with the other board members on this project. The members bring a wide variety of skills that will be invaluable for the challenges ahead. I’m sure we can make a positive contribution by identifying the city of Newport’s strengths and opportunities. I hope we can create a consensus around tackling the issues of the regeneration of the city centre and put an action plan in place to help the city realise its true potential.”

Economy Minister Edwina Hart stated: “I am delighted Simon Gibson has agreed to chair this group. He and the other board members bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to this important task. I believe the group’s members will make a strong contribution to identifying the barriers to business growth and exploring the options for development in Newport city centre. The role of housing in the city centre will be critical to regeneration, and ultimately to the success of the project.”

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