Latest news with #InfrastructureStrategy
South Wales Argus
13-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
New train stations for South Wales after major funding boost
Monmouthshire County Council has welcomed a £445 million allocation from the UK Government for rail infrastructure upgrades across Wales. The investment will support recommendations from the South East Wales Transport Commission, including upgrades to the South Wales Mainline and the creation of five new stations. Among the new stations is Magor Walkway, a project championed by the Magor Action Group on Rail (MAGOR), with support from Monmouthshire County Council and councillors John Crook, Angela Sandles, and Frances Taylor. Mary Ann Brocklesby, leader of Monmouthshire County Council, said: "This is a hugely welcome investment that recognises the urgent need to upgrade our transport network here in Wales. "Magor Walkway Station is a project with strong community backing from local councillors, residents, and campaign groups. "I'll continue working with all partners to make sure Monmouthshire sees the benefit of this long-overdue rail project." The new stations are expected to improve connectivity between Cardiff and Bristol for both commuters and leisure travellers. The council said it will continue working with the Welsh Government and neighbouring authorities to deliver other recommendations from the Lord Burns Commission. These include a proposed link road between the M48 and B4245 to enable a park and ride facility at Severn Tunnel Junction railway station. Monmouthshire County Council said it is awaiting further details from the UK Government's Infrastructure Strategy, due to be published next week.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'Billions of pounds' to be spent on new Manchester to Liverpool railway line
Plans to build a new railway line between Manchester and Liverpool look set to go ahead. The government has committed to spending 'billions of pounds' on the project, according to reports. It comes after Andy Burnham urged the government to make a commitment towards the new train line when it announces its long-term spending plans next week. The Manchester Evening News and Liverpool ECHO joined forces to back the project when the mayor pitched the plans last month. READ MORE: Child arrested as investigation launched after 50 people rescued from major fire READ MORE: Moment man realised the game was up after being confronted on his doorstep According to the Financial Times, Rachel Reeves has now signed off plans to spend 'billions of pounds' on the major transport project. The newspaper reports that the plans will be funded through a £113bn investment in transport projects agreed by the Chancellor. Under the plans, express train would run every 10 minutes between Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Lime Street with services calling at Warrington as well as the airports in each city. Journey times would also be slashed to just over half an hour each way. The proposal also include building an underground station at Piccadilly and a new transport interchange at Manchester Airport. Presenting the plans to cabinet ministers and senior civil servants last month, Mr Burnham said he wants the government commit to the new railway line as part of its 10-year Infrastructure Strategy which the M.E.N. understands is expected to be published next week. Mr Burnham, and his Liverpool City Region counterpart Steve Rotheram, said the plans could help add £90bn to the economy. At the time, Mr Burnham said: "What we would ask the government to consider is not to give everything we need right now. "It's simply to say that in the 2030s - hopefully starting in the early part of the 2030s - they will commit in the infrastructure strategy to a window when this railway will be built." Ms Reeves will deliver her Spending Review, setting out the government's multi-year budget, in Parliament next Wednesday (June 11). The M.E.N. understands the 10-year Infrastructure Strategy, which will include transport plans will then be published the following day.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Private Equity Infrastructure Investment Poised for Renewed Growth Amid Evolving Market Dynamics
Over the past 10 years, private infrastructure assets under management have more than quadrupled, to a record $1.3 trillion Investor interest in digital infrastructure is growing with data center investments surging due to AI-driven demand Funds are evolving their strategies, leveraging new investment structures and operational efficiencies to enhance returns in a maturing industry BOSTON, March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Private investment in infrastructure is regaining momentum, according to the latest annual Infrastructure Strategy report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The report, Infrastructure Strategy 2025: How Investors Can Gain Advantage as the Asset Class Matures, details how the private infrastructure market, which has been navigating macroeconomic uncertainty and fluctuating deal volume, shows signs of stabilizing and remains a safe haven in volatile times. Infrastructure assets under management continued to grow over the past year, reaching an all-time high of $1.3 trillion as of June 2024. Nevertheless, fundraising remains below its 2022 peak, reflecting lingering investor caution. Meanwhile, deal activity, although still below peak levels, is expected to increase as sponsors seek to exit investments and reinvest capital. Investment Trends and Sector Insights The report highlights a shift in investor focus, with greater allocations to high-growth sectors such as digital infrastructure and energy transition. Data center investments, driven by AI and cloud computing demands, have been particularly strong, with a record $50 billion allocated to the sector in 2024, up from just $11 billion in 2020. Despite a slowdown in deal flow across most infrastructure asset classes, investors are optimistic about long-term opportunities in core sectors such as energy, transport, and logistics. "Infrastructure remains a cornerstone of private investment strategies, offering stability and inflation protection in volatile markets," said BCG managing director and senior partner Wilhelm Schmundt, the firm's global lead for infrastructure investment and a coauthor of the report. "As investors adjust to a maturing market, we see significant opportunities emerging in energy transition, digital infrastructure, and new investment structures designed to attract capital." Key Findings from the Report Fundraising Outlook. Infrastructure funds raised $87 billion in 2024—a 14% year-over-year increase from 2023, but still 43% below 2022 levels. Deal Volume and Value. Infrastructure transactions declined by 8% in 2024, following a 19% drop in 2023. However, large-scale deals in digital infrastructure and energy transition signal a potential rebound. The average deal size is trending below the 2023 mark and is 40% below the peak reached in 2021. Sector-Specific Trends. Although traditional energy investments remain essential, renewable energy and battery storage solutions continue to attract investor interest. AI-driven demand has made data centers one of the fastest-growing infrastructure asset classes. How Funds Are Adapting to the New Environment Infrastructure investors are refining their strategies to remain competitive in an evolving market. Key approaches include: Industry Consolidation. M&A is becoming a key tool for general partners. Some are scaling up into "one-stop-shops" for infrastructure investments across the entire asset class. Others are pursuing deals to strengthen their niche, geographic, or sector focus, reinforcing both broad-based and specialist strategies. Expanding Investment Mandates. Many funds are broadening their product options and are offering a range of infrastructure strategies with different risk/return profiles to their investors. Enhancing Operational Value Creation. Funds are adopting more active asset management strategies, leveraging technology, and improving efficiency to maximize returns. Exploring New Fund Structures. The rise of continuation vehicles, co-investments, and sector-specific funds is providing limited partners with more tailored investment opportunities. Looking Ahead: Building for the Future Despite near-term uncertainties, the report anticipates continued growth in infrastructure investment, particularly in sectors driven by AI and digital transformation. Governments worldwide are increasingly looking to private capital to bridge infrastructure funding gaps, fostering numerous co-investment opportunities. "Private investment will be critical to modernizing infrastructure and meeting the world's growing connectivity and energy needs," said Alex Wright, BCG managing director and partner, and a coauthor of the report. "With capital deployment expected to accelerate in 2025, we anticipate a more dynamic investment landscape, particularly in AI-driven infrastructure, renewables, and smart grids." Download the publication here: Media Contact:Eric Gregoire+1 617 850 About Boston Consulting GroupBoston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholders—empowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact. Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
