Transport for the North (TfN) has appointed Mace, the international consultancy and construction company, to lead the Programme Support Office for the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) programme. 

Under the new contract, Mace is responsible for project controls, project management, stakeholder management and commercial support. This extensive scope, which positions Mace at the forefront of the region’s rail evolution, will ensure a strengthened and more coordinated approach to progressing the transformative NPR scheme.   

As Programme Support Office partner, Mace will work closely with NPR and key stakeholders to further enhance the already well-established programme management capabilities needed to deliver the complex £39bn programme.

An expanded and embedded Mace team will continue to work within NPR to deliver the Programme Support Office over the next 12 months and beyond. As TfN looks towards the delivery phase of NPR, Mace will be working to help prepare for this, strengthening the strategic outline case, establishing viable route options, identifying the best solutions and interactions with HS2, and championing the programme with key decision makers.

Jason Millett, Mace’s CEO for Consultancy, said: “I am in no doubt that the ambitious and exciting plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail are fundamental to levelling-up our economy and creating opportunities for communities and businesses to thrive across the region. As such, I’m delighted to be able to continue our excellent relationship with Transport for the North and the NPR team.

“Delivering NPR will transform the way people travel and work across the North of England, providing fast, frequent and reliable connectivity. As the nation looks to re-emerge from the coronavirus pandemic with even greater resolve, this programme will be critical to recovery, futureproofing the UK’s low carbon transport needs, and addressing regional disparities and inequalities.”  

Sean Gray, Mace’s Director for Transportation, said: “We’re exceptionally proud of what we’ve achieved in working with Northern Powerhouse Rail and the wider Transport for the North team to drive forwards an infrastructure programme at the top of the national agenda. It’s phenomenally pleasing to be continuing such important work that’s critical to the Northern Powerhouse agenda. Securing four workstreams, including the commercial management role, is a powerful testament to our capabilities in this space.”