UK Rail Infrastructure: AtkinsRéalis on Spending Review Trends

UK Infrastructure Investment Boost: AtkinsRéalis Welcomes Spending Review and Outlines Growth Strategy

In a move poised to reshape the UK’s infrastructure landscape, the recent Spending Review has been met with enthusiasm from AtkinsRéalis. Announced on June 11, 2025, the funding commitments aim to bolster vital transport links, affordable housing, and nuclear energy initiatives across the UK. The rationale behind this substantial investment is to stimulate economic growth, improve regional connectivity, and address critical societal needs. This article explores AtkinsRéalis’ perspective on the Spending Review, highlighting the strategic opportunities for the rail industry and the broader infrastructure sector, and outlining the company’s role in this ambitious national agenda. Chris Ball, President of AtkinsRéalis UK & Ireland, provides key insights into how the company views the current infrastructure landscape and the potential impacts of the government’s strategic initiatives.

Catalysts for Regional Growth: Investment in Transport and Connectivity

AtkinsRéalis recognizes the integral role of the Spending Review in unlocking economic growth throughout the UK. The company supports the prioritization of investment in regional transport links, citing their capacity to act as catalysts for broader economic renewal and the creation of socio-economic opportunities. The investment, which includes the “trailblazer investment deals,” aims to facilitate easier movement of goods and people across regions. These investments are crucial for supporting the government’s goals to improve regional connectivity, accelerate project delivery, and improve supply chains across the United Kingdom. The company emphasizes the importance of a streamlined planning process and long-term investment certainty that provides the necessary environment for businesses, particularly within the rail sector, to plan and invest strategically.

Unlocking Private Finance: Streamlining Project Delivery

The government’s objectives rely on attracting private finance to support the development of new homes, transport links, city regeneration, and critical national infrastructure. AtkinsRéalis emphasizes the role of private investment in realizing these objectives. This underscores the importance of the upcoming Infrastructure and Industrial Strategies, which are expected to provide long-term certainty. Streamlining the planning system is also seen as a critical enabler, alongside robust frameworks for project funding and structuring. This is especially relevant for large-scale rail projects which have a very long lifespan. The company believes that industry must actively collaborate to develop viable, deliverable projects that yield favorable outcomes for all stakeholders. This includes developing business cases that take into account the broader economic value of projects, including social benefits.

Affordable Homes and the Role of EDAROTH

The Spending Review also prioritizes the acceleration of affordable home construction. AtkinsRéalis’ subsidiary, EDAROTH, is well-placed to contribute to this goal. By working to streamline the planning system and working with private finance the company intends to develop affordable homes in conjunction with new transport links. This is a core element of the government’s commitment to deliver place-based growth. EDAROTH will play a crucial role in supporting the objectives of affordable homes within the government’s investment plans.

Building Blocks for Growth: A Vision for the Future

AtkinsRéalis views the current government initiatives as laying the groundwork for “rapid, efficient and inclusive growth” across the UK’s communities. The company has affirmed its readiness to actively support the delivery of these projects. This involves offering expertise in a broad range of areas, including engineering, design, and project management, to ensure that the ambition is translated into tangible outcomes. The commitment to sustainable investment and innovative solutions will be key for AtkinsRéalis to contribute to the transformation of the rail and infrastructure sectors.

Conclusion

The government’s recent Spending Review offers a transformative vision for the UK’s infrastructure landscape, with a specific emphasis on improving transport links, affordable homes, and energy security. AtkinsRéalis has wholeheartedly welcomed the commitments, recognising their capacity to attract finance, accelerate project delivery, and stimulate sustainable growth. The company’s support for streamlined planning processes, robust funding mechanisms, and collaboration across the industry highlights its commitment to turning this ambitious vision into reality. This positive perspective underscores the potential for the UK’s rail and infrastructure sectors to benefit from significant investment. Looking ahead, industry stakeholders must work together to foster an environment of stability and certainty to successfully deliver large projects, which includes the development of improved business cases and the use of cutting edge technology in the projects of the future. This will allow the UK to unlock a future of inclusive and sustainable economic prosperity and innovation.

Company Summary

AtkinsRéalis is a leading global design, engineering, and project management firm. Within the rail sector, AtkinsRéalis provides a comprehensive range of services, from initial planning and feasibility studies to detailed design, construction supervision, and systems integration. Its involvement covers conventional and high-speed rail projects. The company has a strong presence within the UK and international rail markets, offering expertise in signaling, electrification, track design, rolling stock, and rail operations. AtkinsRéalis leverages its global experience and technological expertise to deliver efficient, innovative, and sustainable rail solutions that enhance safety, performance, and value for its clients.