Economics - Atkins · demographic data to develop demand and supply led growth scenarios to inform demand levels, detailed site appraisals, property market reviews and major business

Economics

IntroductionAtkins is able to offer specialised advice on how to optimise the usage of society’s scarce resources. Our advice helps clients to make better decisions and put forward their best case. We combine economics with innovative thinking, robust analysis and common sense.

Our specialist Economics team works for private, public and community organisations across the UK and internationally. Atkins is a leading international planning, engineering, environmental and management consultancy providing a comprehensive portfolio of services for economic development.

The team brings together a broad range of skills and expertise across a range of disciplines including:

• Socio-economic analysis

• Economic impact assessment

• Economic scenario forecasting

• Inward investment studies

• Green Book appraisals

• Funding bids

• Project and programme evaluation

• Feasibility studies

• Environmental economics

• Community consultation

• Business plans and financial appraisal

• Survey design and analysis

• Social enterprise development

• Economic development strategy

• Employment land and housing studies

• Sectoral development studies

• Major scheme business cases

Delivery of RegenerationRegional Hub for National Skills Academy for Construction

Atkins conducted the options, economic and financial appraisal and business plan for the development of a regionally significant construction skills centre in Waltham Forest to serve the Olympic Park, and wider developments in East / North London. We were central to the securing of £6.5 million of public sector funding from the Learning and Skills Council and London Development Agency. We have been retained as project managers for the procurement and delivery of the facility.

Growth Area Funding Applications and Economic Appraisal

Atkins’ economists have undertaken a wide range of economic appraisals which have been used to successfully gain funding from each round of the Government’s Growth Area Fund. We have also considerable experience in preparing and supporting bids from a wide range of funding sources. These include English Partnerships’ grants, Learning and Skills Council capital funds, Community Infrastructure Fund and RDA programmes. All appraisals are undertaken in line with HM Treasury Green Book guidance.

Recent examples include:

• Towcester town centre regeneration (Northamptonshire)

• Stanground bypass (Cambridgeshire)

• Lymington Fields brownfield redevelopment (Barking and Dagenham)

• South Bank redevelopment (Cambridgeshire)

• A community pavilion (South Cambridgeshire)

• Regional hub for National Skills Academy for Construction (Waltham Forest)

• Public realm improvements (Northampton)

• St Neot’s creative industries hub (Huntingdonshire)

• Residential development enabling infrastructure

• Transport infrastructure improvements (Peterborough and Hitchen)

Enabling employment generation in Growth AreasNorthamptonshire Fit for Market Programme

Fit For Market, established in 2004 is a programme to enable economic development in Northants, which has seen nearly £15m invested in public and private sector projects across Northamptonshire.

The aim is to bring forward development of brownfield land and the re-use of redundant premises in order to promote the local economy and stimulate job creation. This is to be in line with the predicted population increase triggered by the growth agenda of Milton Keynes - South Midlands. Atkins has also provided programme and project appraisal advice for the support of economic development projects across the County for Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd (NEL). We have ensured the successful delivery of projects amounting to over £13million funded from two Growth Area Fund allocations. We have provided ongoing advice to NEL to ensure an innovative approach to the use of regeneration funds and have worked closely with project sponsors to maximise effectiveness and the impact of the programme on economic development in Northamptonshire.

Analysing the dynamics of city centre change Birmingham Land-use and Transportation Study

Birmingham’s city centre extends to 800ha and is an important national, regional, and increasingly international, economic driver. However, the pace of development between 2001 and 2006 was such that the transportation models in place to measure and manage traffic are slightly outdated and a revised land use and economic assessment was needed.

Atkins updated the land uses within the centre and undertook detailed assessments of the office, leisure, retail, residential and education sectors. The land use of each city block was mapped according to the Use Classes Order and the number of jobs and businesses in each block were modelled as at 2004 and compared with the 2001 position.

Following this baseline position the likely employment and population changes up to 2011, 2021 and 2031 of the city were estimated. Using the Delphi technique, we examined all developments since 2004 and estimated their likely employment and population impacts over time. We also held a seminar with all key policy makers and those involved in the city centre’s development to understand the forces for change and to test out various scenarios. We made use of the Birmingham City Centre Masterplan Visioning Study, prepared by Professor Michael Parkinson to estimate the likely changes by 2021 and 2031.

The study combined the skills of town planners, economists, urban geographers, and regeneration and property specialists in order to develop an approach to city centre research and positioning which is effective and unique. It has also involved working effectively alongside Atkins’ transport team to understand the exact requirements of the transport model and how economic data can be made compatible.

Local Development Framework Evidence base and Expert WitnessEmployment Land Review, Various Local Authorities

Atkins has undertaken approximately 30 major employment land studies in the South West, South East, Midlands, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber and London. The main purpose of these studies is to provide a major input to the LDF process as well as economic development and regeneration strategy development. The studies involve a comprehensive assessment of demand for and supply of commercial and industrial sites and premises. This has been undertaken using historical employment and demographic data to develop demand and supply led growth scenarios to inform demand levels, detailed site appraisals, property market reviews and major business surveys. We have also provided expert witness representation on behalf of a range of local authorities on employment land issues including: Gloucester City Council, Horsham District Council, Crawley Borough Council, Mid Sussex District Council, London Borough of Lambeth, Hart District Council and London Borough of Haringey.

Informing new approaches to spatial planningWest Midlands Quality of Employment Land Research

Atkins was appointed by Advantage West Midlands (AWM) to undertake a research project aimed at formulating a definition of what constitutes good quality employment land and identify a generic set of criteria to assess the quality of employment land. This pioneering study represents a major step forward in the understanding of employment land in the West Midlands and the UK as a whole. The work involved consultation with a wide range of stakeholders and understanding both the policy context and the operation of the property market to develop an approach which would balance the often conflicting requirements of different players in the market. The research highlighted that there cannot be one definition of ‘good quality’ employment land and a simple criteria based approach was not sophisticated enough to adequately assess sites. Atkins developed a site appraisal model to enable local authorities to assess and compare sites using a standardised approach. The key attributes of the Atkins Site Appraisal Model are:

• A set of categories and criteria against which any site can be assessed

• A way of highlighting positive and negative aspects of a site and identifying potential barriers which may need to be overcome or characteristics which may be better suited to a different type of end use

• A means of profiling all sites across a specific area

• If the site profiles are kept up-to-date then this can be used as a tool for those dealing with investment enquiries

• A way of protecting the ‘best’ employment sites, if pressure exists for change of use to other types of development

Understanding the barriers to regenerating brownfield landNational brownfield strategy research - English Partnerships

Atkins undertook detailed research into the main barriers to regeneration. English Partnerships has selected fourteen pilot authorities across England and our role was to identify a range of sites in each of these authorities in terms of National Land Use Database classification and geographic spread (urban centre, urban fringe, rural etc). A total of 170 sites were then visited in the districts, and barriers to regeneration identified for each site including: ownership; contamination; infrastructure; policy; ecology; heritage; socio-cultural issues; socio-economic context; development economics and market conditions.

A summary of the barriers identified by site, and district, was able to then form a view on the pattern of barriers to regeneration at the district and regional level across England. Our work produced a bottom-up assessment of barriers to regeneration which fed into the strategic work being undertaken by English Partnerships to take forward the National Brownfield Strategy and to support the implementation of a brownfield regeneration project in each of the pilot districts.

Helping to drive economic changeExeter and Heart of Devon Economic Development Strategy

Atkins was commissioned by Exeter and Heart of Devon Economic Partnership to prepare an economic development strategy and action plan for the Exeter sub-region of approximately 500,000 people. This study included a detailed analysis of economic strengths and opportunities, having particular regard to the role of key clusters and growing industries. The study also addressed a range of regeneration priorities including employment, learning & education, skills and business support.

An important aspect of the strategy was the assessment of employment land demand issues, which included an appraisal of future needs in the sub-region, having particular regard to the strengths and challenges of the sub-region as a business location.

Assessing the economic benefits of waterside locationsBridgwater Sluice Economic Impact Study

Atkins recently completed the economic and regeneration impact studies of the proposed Parrett Sluice at Bridgwater on behalf of Sedgemoor District Council. This included an assessment of waterside and wider economic impacts arising from stimulated development in Bridgwater town centre as well as the effects of improving access to the Somerset waterways network. The study concluded that the Sluice would assist in supporting 2,300 additional jobs in the catchment area, deliver around 35,000 sqm of commercial floorspace and provide a net economic benefit of around £270 million to the Bridgwater economy.

Measuring the economic impact of the marine sector Solent Waterfront Strategy

South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) commissioned this project in light of the lack of understanding of the importance of the marine sector to the Solent and South East economies. A robust and carefully thought-out approach was essential given that this type of project had not been carried out elsewhere in the South East region.

We used a range of standard and non-standard data sources to examine the marine sector in detail and provide a quantitative assessment of the sector. This definitional problem has acted as a major constraint to understanding the scale and importance of the marine sector in the Solent sub-region. We produced a sub-regional economic impact model, which was an empirically-based model defining all key sub-sectors of the industry, to measure the economic significance of the marine sector. Additionally, using a comprehensive and statistically significant business survey sample, we were able to measure the impact of the sector based on actual business information rather than secondary sources. Our assessment concluded that the sector contributes approximately 25% to the sub-region’s GVA and is a relatively high value cluster of activities.

Finally, we provided strong policy recommendations which focused on the need to proactively promote the sector as a fundamental economic driver to the sub-regional and regional economies. These recommendations are being actively taken forward by SEEDA, the British Marine Federation and related organisations.

Supporting strategic economic developmentEvaluation of West Midlands Food Partnership

Advantage West Midlands (AWM) has identified the food and drink sector as a key target for improving economic activity and performance in the region. The food and drink sector is characterised by many micro and small businesses and is often highly specialised. In order to assist the growth and development of the sector the provision of sector specific business support was considered critical. Additional funding was made available through AWM but this was co-ordinated by a lead partner and supported by other business support agencies. The aim of the Programme was to provide a co-ordinated and seamless business support offer to cut through some of the confusion which often surrounds business support opportunities, and as such the West Midlands Food Partnership was established. Atkins was appointed to evaluate the performance of the partnership in its strategic aims and objectives. This entailed extensive consultation with all the business support agency partners to understand the added value provided through a more co-ordinated partnership approach. The views of beneficiaries were also explored through a general business survey to understand business needs and a more focused survey of direct business support beneficiaries. A number of case studies were also undertaken to explore the impact of business support at a more detailed level and help tease out its additionality. We also recommended a new delivery model for the partnership and a set of shared principles and actions to which partner organisations must sign up to.

Regional Sector AnalysisKey Sector Requirements Study

We were commissioned by the Regional Assembly to provide an evidence base and associated policy recommendations to inform key business sector policies in the draft South East Plan. In consultation with SEEDA, we identified 9 key business sectors that should form the basis of our assessment. Given the complexities of defining these sectors, we added value by providing a common-sense approach to the identification and measurement of these important sectors (including: Advanced Manufacturing; ICT; Marine; Life Sciences; Defence; Logistics).

We provided a singe reference document which provided a consistent approach to identifying the future investment requirements of key business sectors in the region. This included the identification of key drivers of growth, key opportunities, land and premises requirements, labour force needs, R&D needs and availability of finance. Our research and policy recommendations have been used and reflected in the draft South East Plan.

Strategic economic development in Northern IrelandLondonderry Spatial Plan

Atkins prepared the Londonderry Regeneration Framework and Spatial Plan for the urban regeneration company in the City (ILEX). This created an integrated economic development strategy for the city which was translated into a strategic masterplan for the area. The strategy identified four key economic and regeneration themes to form the heart of strategic planning and economic development for the City over the next 15 years. These build on existing strengths as well as potentially viable opportunities for Londonderry / Derry including: higher education and knowledge industries; tourism; retail; and city-centre living. The plan formed the foundation for the URC’s investment strategy and programme.

Industrial heritage and regenerationKillhope Lead Mining Museum Economic Impact

Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum, situated in Upper Weardale, County Durham, is a fully restored 19th Century lead mine. The site was bought back into active use as a heritage project and local tourism attraction in the 1980s. Investment in the museum saw Killhope attract significant numbers of visitors, in local terms, throughout its development and win a number of awards since 1990, including The Guardian ‘Family Friendly Museum of the Year’ in 2004.

Atkins was appointed to prepare an economic impact assessment for the proposed enhancement works. The study sought to drive forward the quality of tourism in the area and to assess whether significant reinvestment in Killhope could deliver an improved visitor offer and tangible economic benefits for the area.

The assessment developed and examined various development scenarios for the museum. Integral to this was establishing and forecasting visitor numbers under each scenario in order to establish the expected revenue streams. This followed the English Partnerships’ Additionality Guide and the HM Treasury Green Book.

Regeneration benefits of sports stadiaColchester Stadium

Atkins worked alongside specialists from Drivers Jonas Sport and Pan-Leisure Consulting Ltd to produce a business plan and delivery plan for Colchester Community Stadium.

Colchester United FC has been considering a move from its Layer Road ground to a new stadium for several years and the Council wanted to support the move by creating a multi-use stadium in the North Colchester regeneration area.

Our role on this commission was to produce a regeneration benefits assessment of the club’s move to a new ground. This included an assessment of all direct and indirect employment effects and the increased volume of visitors to the town, for football matches, conferences, concerts and events held at the stadium. We also estimated the impacts to be created through the enabling development linked to the Stadium (to be built later) in terms of business space, a hotel and leisure uses through employment density calculations.

Supporting new business growthLancashire Digital Technology Centre Evaluation The Lancashire Digital Technology Centre (LDTC) is a high quality and high specification technology centre built on the former Michelin site in Burnley and received £3.7 million funding from the NWDA, European Regional Development Fund and Lancashire County Developments Ltd.

The Centre was built to stimulate innovation, provide high quality space for businesses utilising new technologies and advanced manufacturing techniques, and provide high tech training facilities and business support tailored to target industries.

It was perceived as a project that would raise the competitiveness of a low value added declining manufacturing sector in Burnley and the surrounding area by generating new business opportunities in new markets such as Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Furthermore the project would, alongside other initiatives, address the shortage of high quality small business accommodation and redevelop part of a brownfield site.

The evaluation sought to assess the project in terms of its success against original objectives and outputs, the project’s value for money and its alignment with economic development policy. However it was also a key step in NWDA’s decision to invest in a Stage 2 to provide ’grow on’ space on the remaining land next to the Phase 1 incubation space.

Capitalising on natural assetsYorkshire Quarry Arts Community Project, Threshfield Quarry

Atkins was appointed to undertake a Barriers and Constraints report to support development of a community arts project for the disused 52ha Threshfield Quarry in North Yorkshire.

The study was commissioned on the back of a community vision that had been established with a desire to see the Quarry reused for a combination of uses including:

• a cultural, heritage and innovation centre

• facilities for caving and climbing

• commercial business units

• a café and restaurant

• residential uses including live-work uses

• an outdoor amphitheatre for live performances

• mixed use buildings to provide rehearsal space and accommodation associated with the amphitheatre

A multidisciplinary approach was adopted drawing on a mix of Atkins’ specialists so that we could review barriers and constraints in terms of ground conditions; ecology; noise & vibration; transport & access; historic built structures and funding availability. Our research concluded that there were no insurmountable barriers but that the surrounding road infrastructure would probably limit the potential size of the amphitheatre.

The Initial Strategy Development phase subsequently involved some community consultation workshops in Grassington and also began to set out some ballpark capital cost estimates and produce an embryonic business plan to assist decisions on next steps. At the same time we produced a series of examples on delivery vehicles to illustrate how the project could be taken forward.

Reviewing metropolitan town centresWalthamstow Socio-Economic Masterplan

We were appointed by the London Borough of Waltham Forest to prepare a comprehensive assessment of social and economic conditions and drivers which impact on the development of Walthamstow town centre. This study aimed to produce a robust evidence base and strategy recommendations which provided a direct input into the Walthamstow Area Action Plan. Strands of work included detailed neighbourhood analysis of social and economic conditions, a retail capacity assessment, stakeholder consultation and business and household surveys.

Community economic developmentKeswick Children’s Centre

Keswick Area Partnership Ltd (KAP) commissioned Atkins to undertake a feasibility study for the Keswick Children’s Centre. The study examined the background context to the centre, which involved examining the socio-economic conditions and local perceptions, site appraisal work, assessment of supply and demand issues, consultation with stakeholders and a review of possible sources of funding.

From this we appraised the various options for the most favoured sites and set out a design brief and detailed business plan. This included detailed capital costs for construction and property advice, drawing upon the expertise of our affiliate company Faithful+Gould.

Helping to deliver neighbourhood changeHathershaw & Fitton Hill New Deal for Communities

Hathershaw & Fitton Hill New Deal for Communities (NDC) in Oldham was awarded £53 million to tackle deprivation through a ten-year, comprehensive programme in the areas of Hathershaw and Fitton Hill to the south of Oldham town centre.

Atkins was appointed to undertake a SWOT Analysis of the Ashton Road Business Improvement Corridor. The shops occupying the length of the Corridor were found to not cater fully for local peoples shopping needs causing leakage outside the area. Many properties visually impact in a negative way on the image of the area due to vacancy and neglect.

The purpose was to assess the feasibility of taking forward an identified consolidation option for retail and commercial properties. The objectives of the many existing and emerging policies for planning, regeneration and economic development needed to be fully considered, including emerging urban design guidance.

Atkins has also undertaken a wide range of evaluations for the NDC, for instance from projects addressing social heating problems to providing incubator space for new business start-ups. We also provide technical support through undertaking objective programme appraisals on a continual basis.

Enhancing the effectiveness of business support modelsCoventry and Nuneaton Strategic Business Support Programme Evaluation

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Business Link operated a business support programme for businesses within the Coventry and Nuneaton Regeneration Zone. The purpose of the Programme was to provide additional and focused business support infrastructure to complement the standard activity provided by organisations such as Business Link. The Programme aims to improve the competitiveness and performance of small businesses in order to contribute to regional economic growth and development. The key differential for this programme is that it took a proactive approach to engaging with businesses in the Zone. This approach was adopted after research revealed that very few businesses from this area accessed business support compared to the more affluent parts of the sub-region. A targeted advertising campaign was launched within the Zone and specific events were held for businesses in their neighbourhoods at local restaurants and other local venues. An important aspect of the programme was to build relationships and trust between the business support agencies and the businesses.

Atkins was appointed to evaluate the programme. A robust and detailed baseline was prepared for the area to show any change which may have occurred in relation to key socio-economic indicators. Extensive consultation with businesses through case studies and a detailed business survey was also undertaken to investigate business performance and assess the impact of the support provided at the micro level. The strategic context was explored through a focused document review and consultation with key strategic stakeholders to understand their perceptions of the Programme’s performance.

A final report pulled all the key findings together and provided the client with a robust evidence base which could be used to develop future business support intervention strategies.

International property market analysisPanama Pacifico Market Appraisal

Atkins was commissioned by London & Regional Properties Ltd to prepare a comprehensive masterplan for a 2,000 hectare site to the west of Panama City. Our economists were central to defining the nature and mix of uses and activities being proposed for the site. We undertook a market appraisal and detailed research in order to assess the prospects for attracting viable business, industrial, warehousing, aviation, tourism, leisure and hotel facilities and residential uses. The masterplan was adopted by the Panamanian Government and preparations are being made for its implementation.

Economics and the EnvironmentAtkins has considerable experience and specialist staff with expertise in environmental economics. This includes:

• Financial analysis and tariff modelling in the water sector

• Business case development for water, waste and energy infrastructure investment proposals

• Environmental liability assessment

• Cost-benefit analysis for environmental industries and infrastructure

• Cost effectiveness of EU and UK policies, regulations and standards

• Environmental policy development

Examples of recent commissions include:

• Development of a cost effective methodology of implementing the Water Framework Directive in river basin planning (Defra)

• Cost-benefit analysis for the Environment Agency’s water management planning within an SSSI in Pevensey (Environment Agency)

• Environmental liability case studies (Environment Agency)

• Coastal zone horizon scanning (Environment Agency)

• Cost-benefit analysis of first-time sewerage (Anglian Water)

• Business remodelling and tariff analysis to support the modernisation and expansion of the Piteski Water Company to meet the Waste Waster Directive (Piteski, Romania)

• Demand forescasting and tariff analysis for industrial space and related water and sewerage requirement in Damascus (European Investment Bank, Syria)

Developing competitive advantageInvestment Promotion Strategy for Oman

Atkins was commissioned by the Omani Centre for Investment Promotion and Export Development (OCIPED) to prepare a strategy to guide the promotional work of OCIPED and other Government agencies in order to increase the flow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country. The study identified priority sectors which held the greatest potential for FDI attraction and were in line with the country’s development objectives. This required detailed analysis of current trade and investment patterns into the country using the International Trade Centre’s (ITC) market analysis tools, Investment, Product, Market and Trade Map, developed specifically for developing countries to develop their investment promotion and export development plans. The strategy also identified those target countries and companies active within the target sectors, where promotional efforts are likely to be most effective. A human resources and financial plan was provided for OCIPED along with the strategy document which included specific sector strategies. An implementation plan and operational tools were also developed to enable the successful adoption of the strategy.

Enhancing and diversifying industrial areasMusaffah Industrial Area

Musaffah is the main light industrial area serving Abu Dhabi City and covers an area of over 3,800 hectares. The industrial area is strategically well located, being close to the main urban areas of the city, as well as other industrial areas, including Abu Dhabi Industrial City and Mafraq Industrial Area. Parts of the industrial area are dominated by low quality development and a number of small-scale and incompatible uses exist in certain areas.

Atkins was commissioned by Abu Dhabi Municipality to prepare masterplan proposals for the upgrading and development of the industrial area. The study identifies the demand and potential for new industrial uses and formulates proposals to upgrade the overall appearance of the area to support economic growth. The demand study also involved a large scale business survey with those located on site to understand their aspirations and how the area could be developed to aid their business. The intention is to reinforce the role of Musaffah as the prime location for light industrial and business uses in the UAE and put forward proposals for upgrading the area. This entails the rationalisation of land uses and the internal circulation pattern in specific areas, the establishment of a clear urban design and landscape strategy for public spaces, the re-subdivision of existing areas to meet modern industrial developments, the designation of new sites for support and community facilities and provision of upgraded and new infrastructure services. The regulatory basis for the future use of plots and buildings in the area is also a key element of the study.

Social impact of industrial diversificationSohar Aluminium Smelter

Atkins’ economics team undertook the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) for a new Aluminium Smelter proposed for the Al Batinah Region of Oman on behalf of Alcan Inc. The SIA evaluated the effects of the project on the communities living in the area of influence of the project and considered the socio-economic impacts on standard of living and quality of life of individuals in their day-to-day activities, perceptions and values. Interviews with key personnel at the concerned Ministries in Oman, collation of published data and material on the area and current planning systems, field visits and interviews with local officials and local communities were undertaken.

Following start-up of the construction of the Aluminium Smelter, Atkins was recommissioned to provide a socio-economic impact appraisal of the operation of the smelter. The appraisal focussed particularly on the economic impacts of the smelter and benchmarked them against other heavy industry projects in operation and planned for Oman.

Understanding the social impacts of major infrastructure projectsSt Helena Airport Social Impact Assessment (SIA)

Atkins undertook a SIA for a proposed airport on the island of St Helena, located in the South Atlantic as part of a Department for International Development (DFID) funded project. The assessment was undertaken in line with UK planning law, IFC guidance on social impact assessment and the Equator Principles. The primary purpose for the airport was to encourage growth of a tourism sector on the island in order to remove the requirement for annual funding from UK HM Treasury and reverse population decline. The potential associated economic opportunities for local residents and the social impacts associated with a significant influx of tourists were central in the SIA.

Leading the preparation of development plansAl Buraimi Governorate Development Plan

Al Buraimi Governorate is a largely rural region of Oman with a dispersed population. The main town, Al Buraimi, functioned primarily as a dormitory town for the town of Al Ain in the UAE. Newly established border restrictions had led to economic and population decline and a reduction in quality of life as access to community services and facilities in Al Ain was restricted.

Atkins was commissioned by the Oman Ministry of National Economyto prepare an integrated development plan to guide the sustainable economic, human and physical development of the Governorate. An assessment of the opportunities for development was undertaken and extensive consultation was carried out with local business and residential populations. A visioning exercise was undertaken and population and economic forecasts established. The project proposed a preferred vision for the development of the Governorate and articulated strategy objectives. Recommendations were provided for Government interventions and investment and land-use planning.

Providing specialist inputMasterplanning and Planning

Atkins’ economics team has provided inputs to a number of masterplanning and planning projects. Inputs include: socio-economic baseline assessments; demand and gap analysis for commercial, residential, retail, leisure and tourism markets; feasibility; forecasting and financial appraisals. Projects include: • Abu Dhabi Building Heights Project (UAE)

• Al Ain Building Heights Project (UAE)

• Umlifaina Islands Masterplan (UAE)

• Khalifa City Masterplan (UAE)

• Between the Bridges Masterplan (UAE)

• Oman Botanical Reserve Masterplan (Oman)

• Mumbai Special Economic Zone (India)

• Suez Special Economic Zone (Egypt)

• Shuwaikh Area Study (Kuwait)

• Integrated Modern Industrial Park in Dubai (UAE)

• Panama Pacifico Special Economic Zone (Panama)

• Shenzhen Coastal Study (China)

• Rayong Industrial Estate (Thailand)

• Santivanez Industrial City (Bolivia)

Economic Impact of Transport Proposals

Over the last few years there have been a number of significant changes to national policy advice relating to transport and economics. These have given a new perspective to the economic and environmental impacts of transport which, alongside considerations of safety, quality of life and equality of opportunity, provide an important new context for transport schemes and strategies.

Atkins is at the cutting edge of transport planning and policy and can draw upon specialist transport economists alongside economic development specialists. We have undertaken work examining how the transport network affects Lancashire’s economy. This has included comprehensive analysis of the economic conditions and drivers, including issues of place competitiveness, the industrial structure, skills, enterprise activity and quality of life factors alongside understanding connectivity in the sub-region, and how this interacts with these drivers and economic opportunities. We have relied on analysis of a wide range of datasets, GIS mapping of relationships and a programme of surveys and more in-depth interviews with strategic businesses across the area to establish how transport problems affect them.

We have also prepared numerous economic impact assessments of proposed transport schemes, following the relevant Department for Transport guidance, such as the Wider Economic Impacts and Wider Economic Benefits TAG units. This has included assessing how a proposed road link between Burton and Swadlincote will open up various development sites, assessing a proposed link road in South Bristol on accessibility and a proposed motorway link between the M54 and M6/M6 (Toll) road in the West Midlands.

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