Reinventing Britain: Projects You Need to Know

1. High-Speed 2 (HS2)

HS2 is one of the most ambitious and significant infrastructure projects in the history of the United Kingdom. Designed to be a new high-speed railway connecting London with the Midlands and the North, it promises to fundamentally change the way people travel and do business across the country. The project comprises around 330 miles of new track, set to run at speeds of up to 225 mph. Phase 1, already under construction, will link London Euston to Birmingham Curzon Street — due to open by 2033 — while future phases will extend this high-speed network to Manchester and potentially further on to Leeds.

2. Hinkley Point C

Hinkley Point C is a landmark energy project for the UK, representing the first new nuclear power station to be built in Britain in more than two decades. Located in Somerset on the Bristol Channel coast, this £32 billion investment is a crucial part of the UK’s long-term energy and climate strategy. First power is expected in 2026, with the station reaching full commercial operation shortly afterwards. Hinkley Point C is not just a power station — it’s a vital investment in a secure, sustainable, and home-grown energy future for Britain.

3. Lower Thames Crossing

The Lower Thames Crossing is one of the most ambitious road infrastructure schemes in the UK. Designed to tackle serious congestion at the existing Dartford Crossing, this new connection will transform road travel in the Southeast. Main construction is due to begin in 2026, with the crossing expected to open to traffic in 2031 — promising a quicker, smoother, and more sustainable future for cross-Thames travel.

4. TransPennine Route Upgrade

The TransPennine Route Upgrade is a major, long-term investment to modernise one of Britain’s most important rail arteries. Stretching from Manchester to York and onward to Leeds, this ambitious project aims to overhaul a historic route that passes through the challenging hills of the Pennines. Work is already underway, with major milestones set to be completed by 2028. When finished, the TransPennine Route Upgrade will future proof this vital corridor for generations to come, creating a faster, greener, and more dependable railway across the Pennines.

5. Eastern Green Links

The Eastern Green Links (EGL) project is a game-changing energy infrastructure scheme that will bolster the UK’s clean power network. It consists of two major subsea HVDC (high-voltage direct current) cables running along the east coast, connecting renewable energy generated in Scotland with demand centres in northern England.  The cables are scheduled to come online by 2029, playing a pivotal role in transforming the UK’s energy landscape — making sure green power from Scotland can help keep the lights on across England for decades to come.

6. East Anglia Offshore Wind

The East Anglia offshore wind projects form a critical part of the UK’s plan to lead the world in renewable energy. Located off the Suffolk coast, these enormous wind farms will harness the North Sea’s powerful winds to generate green electricity at scale — helping Britain move away from fossil fuels.  With East Anglia THREE set to go live by 2026 and East Anglia TWO by 2030, these schemes will play a vital role in delivering the UK’s target of 50 GW offshore wind capacity by 2030 — helping to power a more sustainable, resilient Britain for years to come.