Record number of infrastructure projects

The UK government has approved a record number of major infrastructure projects in the first year of this Parliament, marking a significant milestone in its push to accelerate construction, energy, and transport development. A total of 21 major decisions have been made, surpassing the previous first-year record of 15, and bringing the cumulative total to 25 with additional projects under consideration.

Projects approved span wind farms, road improvements, airport expansions, and digital infrastructure, reflecting a broad approach to boosting the economy and creating employment. Key projects include the Lower Thames Crossing, which is expected to support 22,000 jobs and generate £200 million annually through improved connectivity, and the Mona Offshore Wind Farm alongside Rampion 2 off Sussex, delivering 2.7 GW of renewable energy and securing thousands of skilled positions. The Viking CCS Pipeline in Lincolnshire is projected to support 20,000 jobs and bolster decarbonisation initiatives, while the Simister Island development near Manchester will improve commuting for over 90,000 people daily. Gatwick Airport has received approval to expand operations using its northern runway, facilitating increased travel capacity.

The government has emphasised reforms to the planning and consenting process, including measures in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill that reduce statutory pre-application requirements and limit meritless legal challenges. Combined with updates to the National Planning Policy Framework and targeted investment to strengthen local planning capacity, these measures are designed to accelerate delivery of homes, laboratories, gigafactories, and other essential infrastructure. The reforms aim to unlock thousands of additional homes and support the UK’s broader economic growth agenda.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed highlighted the government’s focus on supporting builders, businesses, and communities, noting that streamlined planning rules will speed delivery of new homes, data centres, and commercial projects. These initiatives are expected to drive regional development, create skilled employment across clean energy, construction, and logistics, and reduce congestion and energy costs for households.

The approvals form part of a wider government strategy to ensure the UK remains a competitive destination for investment, with £150 billion of inward investment secured from US companies in recent months, supporting over 7,600 high-quality jobs. The government has also committed £46 million to increase planning capacity, and £16 billion of public investment through a National Housing Bank to stimulate private investment in over 500,000 new homes.

Suppliers, contractors, and subcontractors can engage with these developments through upcoming tenders and procurement opportunities linked to the Lower Thames Crossing, renewable energy projects, transport upgrades, and digital infrastructure. The fast-tracked planning decisions present a pipeline of work for construction and energy businesses seeking to expand operations, deliver projects, and contribute to regional and national growth.

This approach underlines the government’s aim to combine strategic investment with regulatory reform to deliver infrastructure and housing at scale, while creating long-term economic and employment benefits across the UK.

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