London's infrastructure needs investment - ICE London tells GLA Liberal Democrats
The need for investment in London’s infrastructure to help the capital’s economy was top of the agenda when representatives of the Institution of Civil Engineers London Region met with Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Stephen Knight this week.
Director of ICE London, Miranda Housden, said: “ICE London was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with Stephen Knight to discuss our Manifesto for London Infrastructure as it is increasingly recognised that investment in infrastructure today is able to deliver benefits for the economy in both the short and longer term.
“During our discussion we highlighted the recent work civil engineers have done, bringing huge benefits for our capital city, including the regeneration of the Olympic Park, London Underground’s upgrade programme, the on-going development of the water and sewage treatment systems and flood risk management.”
ICE London Immediate Past Chair Rachel Skinner said: “Looking to the future we need to maintain the momentum around London’s future infrastructure projects where they are already in the delivery pipeline, including Crossrail, the Thames Tunnel and HS2. We also need to ensure that discussions make progress for major infrastructure on the longer-term horizon, including new Thames Crossing options to the east of London and improvements to airport capacity.
“ICE London has a key role to play in ensuring that the debate around these important infrastructure projects is fully informed in terms of engineering expertise. We are keen to share our professional knowledge and expertise of our members with politicians and the public.
“We hope that following such informed debate, agreements can be reached on the right infrastructure improvements for London so that civil engineers can then deliver the projects safely, on budget and on time, just as they have done with the Olympic Park.”
Stephen Knight AM said: “Civil engineers are at the heart of society, delivering sustainable development through knowledge, skills and professional expertise. We have seen this with projects such as the Olympic Park and the Thames Barrier, and I am keen to support a similar approach to support London’s economic future and growth.
“This was a very useful meeting with ICE London and I am sure we will be drawing on their unique portfolio of experience to help in policy development and discussions at the GLA.”
ICE London has more than 8,000 members living and working in the city.
Read the ICE London Manifesto for London's Infrastructure
View the film Engineering the Olympic Park
Photo (left to right, front row first)
ICE London Immediate Past Chair Rachel Skinner, Stephen Knight AM and ICE London Regional Director Miranda Housden discuss the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) London Manifesto for Infrastructure against the backdrop of development in central London.
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