In 2008 CLF co-commissioned the consultancy company URS to carry out an infrastructure assessment of central London. A copy of the full report and summary can be downloaded below.
The Brief
The assessment seeks to identify central London’s growth up to 2026 and what future demand for infrastructure provision will look like; this includes both hard and soft forms of infrastructure ranging from utilities and transport, to health and education provision. The consultants were tasked with investigating whether the planned provision of infrastructure providers would cope with central London’s projected growth.
The Conclusions
URS came to some interesting conclusions which included:
- Transport: despite the significant investment programme to 2018 with projects like Crossrail and the East London Line Extension, there will still be residual capacity problems and no firm proposals yet exists to address these. Sustainable initiatives including encouraging walking, cycling and public realm improvements are cost effective and relatively simple measures which should be promoted.
- Energy and other utilities: the assessment identified potential future supply deficits relating to electricity and drinkable water. URS also expressed concerns over the reactive way in which utilities companies generally operate. A more strategic approach is needed, particularly with funding.
- Sustainable energy: The Mayor’s target of cutting London’s carbon emissions by 60% by 2025 is ambitious. The successful implementation of the following programmes will help achieve this ambition: developing the electric vehicle market, retrofitting homes, delivering more decentralised energy and turning waste into a resource either through recycling and energy generation.
- Social infrastructure: A potential deficit in relation to further education and adult learning was identified by the consultants. There are also considerable backlog costs associated with getting estates and services up to a suitable standard.
Download URS Summary Report (1.2MB).
Download URS Central London Infrastructure Assessment (5.6MB)
