Building Britain

• Midland Mainline improvements will mean electrification to Kettering and Corby by 2019

Work to electrify TransPennine and Midland Mainline railways will resume under plans announced today, Wednesday 30 September 2015, as part of Sir Peter Hendy’s work to reset Network Rail’s upgrade programme.

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Twelve out of the 32 projects shortlisted for this year’s award are helping to create better journeys across the country by improving the country’s transport infrastructure.

The ‘e-bikes’, which offer battery-assisted pedalling at the flick of a switch, will make it easier for people to cycle more who may be put off by hilly routes or not having cycled regularly.

The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Sharing Pilot Scheme is the latest announcement backing the government’s commitment to double the number of cycle journeys by encouraging people of all ages and abilities to get on their bikes.

Find out more on GOV.UK 

At least seven new contracts will be opened up to companies, with a total combined value of £11.8 billion. HS2 will create 25,000 jobs during construction, at least 2,000 new apprenticeships and will create 3,000 jobs when up and running.

New research by Network Rail shows that apprenticeships’ value goes beyond the workplace skills they provide, enabling apprentices to achieve personal and career goals earlier than their friends. The survey of 355 graduates of Network Rail’s Advanced Apprenticeships Scheme revealed that many of them are the first among their friendship group to buy a house (52%), make a big purchase on something they’ve always wanted (66%), buy a car (40%) or to book and pay for a summer holiday or travel (47%). Their career progression matches the pace that they reach these life milestones, with almost three quarters of the graduates – who all now work full-time at Network Rail – saying they were the first among their friends to be promoted, and almost half reportedly on track for a senior management position within the next five years.

Paul Lees said: ‘I’m delighted that the HCA has given us one of the largest grant allocations of any housing association in the country.

‘Working closely with our local authority partners across the North West we are committed to building quality homes in areas of acute need and this funding will assist us in meeting our target of completing the construction of almost 2,000 homes between now and March 2018.’

Adactus Housing Group is active across 21 local authority areas in the North West of England.