What the new legislation means for planning, delivery, and the future of the built environment

The UK Government’s newly released Infrastructure Bill sets out ambitious plans to accelerate project delivery, unlock investment and modernise planning frameworks. As the sector digests the implications, we’ve gathered expert views from across Ridge to explore how the proposals could shape the future of infrastructure – from transport and utilities to housing and digital connectivity. Here’s what our specialists had to say. 

Commenting on rail infrastructure, Andrew Stamps, Partner and Head of Infrastructure at Ridge, said:

“The eye-catching size of investment was a vital signal of intent for Wales’ rail future. But while the big numbers indicate the scale of ambition, the smaller details will be essential too. The opportunity now is to focus on integrated delivery. Ridge welcomes the government’s recognition of the strategic role played by rail infrastructure in both regional growth and decarbonisation.  

“Our experts know from their prior experience working on key Welsh projects like Cardiff Crossrail that early collaboration between planners, engineers and local, regional and national authorities will be critical to delivering this pipeline at pace and with lasting impact.” 

He also commented on the Chancellor’s commitment to update the Treasury’s Green Book, saying:  

“Ridge welcomes the Chancellor’s commitment to update the Treasury’s Green Book to give greater emphasis to place-based business cases, which should make it easier for areas beyond London and the south-west to make the case for much needed – and highly beneficial – infrastructure. 

“But we don’t need to wait for the rule changes to begin to demonstrate what these benefits might look like, and to think about how they could be measured and quantified.  

“Ridge’s work in the Midlands is an example. We are working with Birmingham Airport to make its assets work more effectively and efficiently; on Midland Metro as it looks ahead to the forthcoming extension with Sport City; and with Transport for West Midlands on new branch extensions.  

All of this is helping to better connect people to the places where they work, receive healthcare and enjoy themselves. This in turn can serve as a blueprint for such place-based business cases, which will ultimately help lift communities and spread the benefits of infrastructure more widely throughout the country.”  

Paul Deverill, Head of PFI/PPP Strategic Advice at Ridge and Partners, said: 

“At Ridge, we are pleased to see social infrastructure being considered alongside economic infrastructure as part of the national Infrastructure Strategy. This will bring benefits across the piece as ideas and funding models can be shared and learned from across sectors and geographies. 

“The focus on maximising the opportunities for collaboration, productivity and efficiency gains is the right one to take – all partners must now work together to make the most of them. 

“The government’s promise that it will make sure the right private finance models are used for the right projects is really important – many of the PFI projects of the past that have gave the initiative a bad name were when PFI models were used inappropriately for the wrong kinds of projects. It is right they will be used for social infrastructure in limited circumstances and have to demonstrate value for money.  

“Having recently joined Ridge & Partners to lead its strategic advice on PFI and PPP projects, and having spent many years working on NHS Lift projects – which were a form of PPP, distinct from PFI – I am pleased to see primary care and community initiatives specifically mentioned as areas where a PPP approach could represent value for money and support the reform of how healthcare is delivered. 

“PFI/PPPs have evolved as a mechanism, and reference to any new PPP model being developed in consultation with industry to ensure the lessons learned from the existing PFI and PF2 projects are learned is welcomed.” 

As the Infrastructure Bill progresses, its success will depend on how effectively its ambitions are translated into action. At Ridge, we’ll be continuing to monitor developments closely, supporting our clients to navigate change and seize opportunities across the built environment.