Atkins on new Northern infrastructure at RIBA North

We are delighted to welcome back Liam Harrison, Market Director for SNC-Lavalin Atkins' Infrastructure division to our forum this month in Liverpool. Liam joins Henri Murison, Director, Northern Powerhouse Partnership and Shelagh McNerney, Salford City Council's Director of Development on our transport focussed panel discussion.

Liam is responsible for developing business around the UK's biggest infrastructure schemes such as the Northern Powerhouse, Crossrail 2 and the regeneration of Old Oak Common.

Atkins has had a strong part in projects associated with the Northern Powerhouse developments and has just released the first images of Newcastle Central Station works (above). These images show the transformation of the station to improve connections with the Stephenson Quarter and the Forth Yards Development Areas to promote economic growth.

Atkins is the lead consultant for the project, working in partnership with Newcastle City Council, London North Eastern Railway, Network Rail and local specialists in town planning and heritage. The team is providing a wide range of services, including architecture, to unlock the development potential of the surrounding area, and improve passenger and visitor experiences in and around the station.

Subject to agreement on funding and if planning is approved, work will begin later this year and be completed in 2021. In the longer term, the station revitalisation will provide a number of regeneration opportunities including new homes, business premises and leisure and recreation facilities.

Newcastle Central Station is the latest addition to Atkins' portfolio of transport-led regeneration schemes in the North, which includes the masterplan for Sheffield Station and ongoing work on the Leeds Station masterplan, alongside leading roles on HS2 and Transport for the North.