News

An independent assessment in the North West of England has set out a new way forward for rail investment in the North West of England. Published as a discussion paper by the UK2070 Commission, the report outlines four priorities for rail investment:

• Resolving the problem of rail network congestion in central Manchester
• Making the best use of investment committed in HS2
• Bringing the West Coast Main Line north of Crewe into the 21^st century, in terms of capacity and quality
• Bringing the old industrial towns back into the heart of the region

The authors argue that the decision to abandon HS2 between Birmingham and Crewe was flawed and needs to be reconsidered. An aspiration for better pan-Northern connections must remain. But emphasis should be placed on where the North West’s main problems lie – in central Manchester – and on upgrading existing trans Pennine routes, as well as existing links between Crewe, Manchester and Liverpool, rather than building new high-speed lines.

The authors are transport planning consultant David Thrower; Professor Ian Wray at Liverpool University’s Heseltine Institute and Manchester University; and Jim Steer, director of Greengauge 21.

Jim Steer said: ‘The North West has many of the assets for growth and its big cities have seen a remarkable turnaround, but the weakness of its transport connections remains a barrier. The inherited Victorian rail network has seen low investment, low speeds and poor quality. Upgrading the system would increase productivity and economic growth, widening labour markets and securing agglomeration economies’.

David Thrower said: ‘Our suggestions are pragmatic. We are putting forward projects which build on investment already committed including HS2, whilst making best use of the region’s inherited rail system A great deal can be done at relatively low cost’.

Professor Ian Wray said: ‘We could bring HS2 services to Liverpool and Manchester by upgrading existing routes; reconnect the existing severed Liverpool-Wigan-Manchester railway line; and resolve congestion in central Manchester, either by a flyover and platforms at Piccadilly, or a short new city centre tunnel, like Liverpool’s 1970’s rail tunnels’.

Professor Cecilia Wong, Chair of the UK 2070 Commission on regional inequalities, said: ‘This report sets out a framework of priorities for investment, whilst advocating a new mechanism for agreeing plans and sticking to them. It demands careful attention’.

The UK2070 Commission is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Cecilia Wong as the new Chair of the UK2070 Commission. Professor Wong brings a wealth of expertise and an exceptional track record in urban and regional development to this prestigious role.

Professor Cecilia Wong is a distinguished academic and an esteemed Professor of Spatial Planning and Co-Director of Policy@Manchester at the University of Manchester. She is a Fellow of both the Academy of Social Sciences and the Royal Town Planning Institute, highlighting her significant contributions to the field. In addition to her academic achievements, Professor Wong has served different assessment roles for the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), including as the Chair of the Research Approvals and Data Acquisition Committees of the Urban Big Data Centre and the UK Research Excellence Framework assessments.

Her extensive experience extends beyond academia, having worked closely with various UK government bodies, the ESRC, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the Homes and Communities Agency, and the Lyons Independent Housing Review. Her advisory roles to the European Commission on the Urban Audit II and to UN-Habitat on the City Prosperity Index underscore her global influence and commitment to sustainable urban development.

Currently, Professor Wong is engaged in a 5-year UK Preventive Research Partnership funded project of tackling the root cause of health inequalities and urban planning decision-making. She was also the Principal Investigator of a joint ESRC and the China Natural Science Foundation project on eco-urbanisation, promoting sustainable development. Her work continues to shape policies and practices, driving forward the agenda of creating sustainable, prosperous urban environments.

Professor Wong’s appointment as Chair of the UK2070 Commission marks a significant milestone for the organisation. Her leadership and vision are expected to further the Commission’s goals of addressing regional inequalities and promoting a more balanced and equitable development across the UK.

On her appointment, Professor Wong commented, “I am honoured to take on the role of Chair of the UK2070 Commission. I look forward to working with my Commissioners to tackle the pressing issues of regional disparities and to drive forward sustainable and inclusive growth across the UK.”

The UK2070 Commission looks forward to the strategic direction and innovative approaches that Professor Wong will bring to the role, building on the Commission’s existing work and expanding its impact.

Professor Cecilia Wong

The UK2070 Commission announces that because of her joining the Government following the UK General Election, Baroness Blake has resigned as Interim Chair of the UK2070 Commission.

Baroness Blake, became the interim chair, following the passing of the late Lord Bob Kerslake.

The UK2070 Commissioners statement said: Baroness Blake, has served with distinction, providing exemplary leadership and unwavering support during a period of significant transition for the Commission. Her dedication and commitment to the Commission’s goals have been instrumental in advancing our mission to address regional inequalities and promote sustainable development across the UK.

The UK2070 Commission expresses its deepest gratitude to Baroness Blake for her invaluable contributions and leadership during this challenging time. Her efforts have been critical in maintaining the momentum and focus of the Commission’s work, ensuring that the vision of a fairer, more equitable future for all regions of the UK remains at the forefront of our agenda.

A further announcement regarding the appointment of a new Chair will be made in September. The Commission remains committed to its objectives and will continue to work diligently to address the pressing issues facing our communities.

15 July 2024

Vice-Chancellor, Michael Henson has dedicated over 25 years to political service and is a longstanding supporter and advocate of Teesside University. Currently Associate Director in the Central and Local Government Parliamentary Policy Team at the global professional services firm Turner & Townsend, Michael has substantial experience working in and around central and local government. Through his work in the regions and his role as a House of Lords staff member, he has particular expertise in fiscal devolution, regional partnerships, Metro Mayors and the House of Lords. 

Michael has focused much of his career on boosting the economy of local regions through international partnerships. He has played a pivotal role in brokering collaborations between central government, combined and local authorities, politicians, think tanks and local enterprise partnerships both in the UK and the Commonwealth, with a particular focus on South Africa and the Presidential Climate Commission. 

Alongside this, Michael is also a Commissioner for the UK2070 Commission, an independent inquiry into city and regional inequalities in the United Kingdom. Originally chaired by the late Lord Kerslake, the Commission continues to undertake important work driving regional development, creating impact here in our local region through the Teesside Taskforce, which Michael has chaired since its establishment in 2019. Through the Teesside Taskforce, the University contributes research and thought leadership to better evidence and understand the socioeconomic challenges facing our local communities, exploring the potential of freeports, steel, hydrogen and the wider net zero agenda to boost opportunities for people across the Tees Valley. 

In December 2022, Michael became an Honorary Professor at Teesside University in recognition of his ongoing work through the Teesside Taskforce, as well as his role as an advocate and ambassador supporting the University’s collaborations overseas. Michael has also supported the University in its establishment of the Public Policy Academy, bringing together civic and political leaders to give students an insight into the impact of public policy. A committed advocate to the University and the wider region, Michael continues to support our institution through advocacy, partnership building, and collaboration with central and local government. 

Vice-Chancellor; I present to you Michael Henson to receive the Degree of Doctor of Civil Law, honoris causa.

The UK2070 Commission Taskforce announces the establishment of Taskforce in South Africa: The UK2070 Mpumalanga Taskforce.

This taskforce is a key initiative within its comprehensive program aimed at fostering regional development and addressing socio-economic disparities. The UK2070 Taskforce Programme is chaired by Professor Michael Henson, and the UK2070 Mpumalanga Taskforce Vice Chair will be Dr. Vathi Papu-Zamxaka, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation & Engagement at Tshwane University of Technology.

Following the successful launch of the UK Teesside Taskforce in October 2020, the SA Mpumalanga Taskforce represents the second major endeavour under the UK2070 Commission’s Taskforce initiative.
UK2070 Mpumalanga Taskforce will collaborate closely with Tshwane University of Technology, Presidential Climate Commission, local businesses and enterprise partnerships and the local community to develop and implement strategies that align with the UK2070 Commission’s 10-point plan objectives.
The UK2070 Mpumalanga Taskforce will begin its operations programme from 1st July 2024, focusing on identifying key areas for development and engaging with the Presidential Climate Commission to ensure the success of its initiatives.

Professor Michael Henson, Chair of the UK2070 Commission Taskforce Programme, said:
“ The UK2070 Taskforce programme are delighted to welcome the South Africa Mpumalanga Taskforce into the vibrant and dynamic fold of the Taskforce programme. This integration marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards addressing regional inequalities and fostering sustainable development. The combined expertise and unwavering commitment of our partners across the UK and South Africa will undoubtedly propel us towards a more equitable and prosperous future. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will help drive transformative change, ensuring that regions can harness its unique strengths and opportunities to thrive.”

Baroness Wilcox of Newport Vice chair UK2070 Taskforce Programme commented,
“I am deeply committed to advancing initiatives that bridge the economic and social divides between our regions. Our work is focused on creating inclusive growth and resilient communities, Today’s news is most welcome, and my assured further commitment to supporting the UK2070 Taskforce programme and developing further, with Professor Henson, a UK2070 Cardiff Taskforce later this year, working alongside both Teesside and Mpumalanga”.

Dr. Vathi Papu-Zamxaka, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement at Tshwane University of Technology and Vice Chair of the Mpumalanga Taskforce, added: “This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration between academia, industry, and the community. We are committed to driving impactful renewable energy research and innovation that will benefit the Mpumalanga region and beyond. The latter will assist in curbing global climate change challenges”.

Presidential Climate Commission, commented:
The establishment of the Mpumalanga Taskforce enriches existing efforts to build local science and technology capacity to support a just transition. Valuable partnerships with universities such as Teesside, which has established a net-zero technology centre, will precipitate knowledge and innovations give rise to creative solutions to a low-carbon climate-resilient economy and society.

Professor Steve Cummings, Vice Chair of the UK2070 Teesside Taskforce, said:
“We welcome this announcement. By leveraging our expertise and resources, we aim to drive impactful change, sharing innovative solutions and best practices to tackle climate change and foster sustainable development both in the UK and South Africa. UK2070 Teesside Taskforce, based at Teesside University, reaffirms its commitment to international climate action following a recent visit from the South African Presidential Climate Commission.”

For more information please contact : UK2070 Taskforce Secretariat UK2070commissiom@turntown.com

Teesside University’s dedication to global sustainability initiatives has been further solidified following a trade mission to South Africa which resulted in a new research and teaching partnership.

The visiting delegation from Teesside formed part of the UK2070 Commission’s Taskforce programme and set out to highlight the University’s and the Teesside Taskforce’s commitment to deepening academic and commercial ties between the UK and South Africa.

The UK2070 Commission is an independent inquiry into national and regional inequalities in the UK. In 2020, as part of the Commission, a Teesside Taskforce was set up to examine how certain sectors could increase quality job opportunities in the Tees Valley, with a framework focussed on green growth through global partnerships.

This latest mission to South Africa, co-led by Taskforce Chair Professor Michael Henson and Vice-Chair Professor Steve Cummings, marks the seventh expedition facilitated by this partnership, each laying critical groundwork for robust academic and trade relationships.

These missions have not only strengthened ties with several South African universities but have also opened avenues for joint research and innovative solutions to address urgent global challenges. Building on the momentum of previous engagements, including the 2023 visit by South African delegates to Teesside’s Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre, the latest mission involved site visits in Mpumalanga and discussions with organisations including the Presidential Climate Commission and the Department for Science and Innovation.

Through this latest mission a partnership with Tshwane University of Technology was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding. This partnership is set to enhance joint research and teaching efforts, including joint PhDs, and offer extensive opportunities for student placements and projects.

Professor Michael Henson, Chair of the UK2070 Taskforce Programme, said: “Our partnerships extend beyond mere formal agreements; they are motivated by a shared commitment to a sustainable future. The UK2070 Taskforce programme is critical in our international endeavours, demonstrating the powerful effect of global cooperation in addressing the most urgent challenges facing the world.”

Dr Vathi Papu-Zamxaka, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation & Engagement at Tshwane University of Technology added: “The Tshwane University of Technology is delighted to collaborate with UK2070 Taskforce and Teesside University to bridge the gap between academia and real-world application, fostering growth and development.”

Through these sustained efforts, Teesside University continues to stand at the forefront of international education and research, driving forward the global sustainability agenda.

Professor Steve Cummings, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), reflected on the University’s role in these global initiatives, “Teesside University is committed to fostering academic and research excellence on a global scale. I am thrilled to see our ongoing partnerships in South Africa flourish, combining our collective expertise to pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future.

South Africa Minister and Department for Science and Innovation Delegation visiting the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre, Teesside Hosted by UK2070 Commission

Led by South African Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande, the delegation visited the Tees Valley to learn how the University’s Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre (NZIIC) is helping to support the region’s ambition of becoming the first and largest decarbonised industrial cluster by 2040.

The £13.1m facility, which opened for business earlier this year, is a national centre of excellence for net zero technologies and is already helping position the Tees Valley firmly at the heart of the UK’s green industrial revolution.

The visit was organised by the UK2070 Commission, an independent inquiry into city and regional inequalities in the UK and led by UK2070 Commissioner and Teesside Taskforce Chair, Professor Michael Henson.

Industry partners including representatives from global companies Turner & Townsend and bp joined the delegation. As part of the programme, the visitors were shown how the University is supporting the growth of innovative new businesses which are finding solutions to address the climate emergency and had the opportunity to talk with representatives from SeerBi,Stuff4Life and XHeat.

The NZIIC’s work to create a circular economy was demonstrated by its collaboration with Stuff4Life, a start-up business that is finding a use for end-of-life workwear which would otherwise have ended up in landfill.

Professor Stephen Cummings, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), said:
“We were delighted to welcome our guests from South Africa and to showcase how Teesside University is fulfilling its role as an anchor institution for the Tees Valley by driving forward innovation and investment in green technologies.  Since opening this year, the NZIIC has had a demonstrable impact on green innovation in the region. We were very pleased to show how industry and academic collaboration is reaping dividends and helping position this region as a hub for green and sustainable growth.”

Gari Harris, Director of the NZIIC

“A key part of our mission is to support the just transition to a net zero economy and we look forward to sharing knowledge and cooperating further to support our communities to achieve this goal.”

Gari Harris, Director of the NZIIC, added: “Since opening this year, the NZIIC has had a demonstrable impact on green innovation in the region.

“We were very pleased to show how industry and academic collaboration is reaping dividends and helping position this region as a hub for green and sustainable growth.”

Through the UK20270 Teesside Taskforce, Teesside University has already established strong links and hosted previous visits with South African officials and has signed a collaboration agreement with South Africa’s Stellenbosch and Pretoria Universities deepening UK-South African academic collaboration on hydrogen.

Professor Michael Henson, UK2070 Commissioner, said:
“Over the last year I have had the pleasure of leading the UK2070 Commission’s South Africa/UK partnership programme championing the role of the Tees Valley and Teesside University in green industries. The programme has included several missions to the UK and a visit to South Africa with Teesside University colleagues.

“As Commissioner, I was delighted to welcome the South African Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande and his team back to Teesside for a second visit. We look forward to building on this latest visit and identifying further areas for collaboration.”

Website version here

See previous press release – Trade Mission 5-Presidential Climate Commission:

Building on international collaboration between South Africa and Teesside University
Dr Crispian Olver Executive Director of the Presidential Climate Commission established by the President of the Republic of South Africa

Website version here

The UK2070 Commission today publishes a report titled “Rethinking the Housing Crisis: the Challenges and Opportunities in England’s combined authority areas”, written by Dr Leonard Gibbs, Dr Wei Zheng and Professor Cecilia Wong from the University of Manchester.  

The report reveals the key changes in housing tenure in England, showing the high rates of growth in outright ownership and private renting and the related issues around housing affordability for new entrants and renters. Using geo-mapping, the report highlights the different housing markets within England, showing the places where the market is overheated and those where prices are declining or failing to keep up with inflation. The report shows the clear divides in England’s housing market and the impacts and influences on inward migration. The report shows the complexity of factors influencing housing affordability, demonstrating the need for regional and local solutions, and makes the continuing case for levelling up in the North of England.

Baroness Judith Blake CBE will take on the role as chair UK2070 Commission following the death of Lord Kerslake.

Baroness Blake is currently a Life Peer in the House of Lords and the UK2070 Commission deputy chair – appointment with immediate effect.