UK Government Launches £725bn Infrastructure Strategy to Restore Delivery Confidence and Drive National Renewal

The UK government has unveiled a comprehensive £725 billion infrastructure strategy aimed at reversing years of underperformance in major project delivery. Spanning the next decade, the plan outlines significant investments across transport, energy, housing, education, digital connectivity, and public services. The strategy is positioned as a cornerstone of the government’s broader ambition to “renew” the UK’s economic and industrial foundations.

A key objective of the strategy is to restore investor and public confidence following a series of setbacks, including the scaled-back HS2 project, ageing water infrastructure, and deteriorating public buildings. Treasury chief secretary Darren Jones acknowledged that credibility had been undermined, stating: “When we say we will build something, investors question if we will and if we can.” The new plan, he added, signals a shift towards focused, deliverable priorities.

Central to the strategy is the creation of the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NITSA), a Treasury-led body tasked with advising and overseeing the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects. The government has also reiterated its commitment to projects such as 35 new hospitals by 2031, three new prisons, the New Towns Programme, and a major expansion of clean energy initiatives, including small modular nuclear reactors.

In transport, further details on Northern Powerhouse Rail are expected in the coming weeks, with Barrow set to receive £200 million to enhance connectivity. However, the strategy made no mention of Crewe, which was significantly affected by the cancellation of the northern leg of HS2, a point that may raise concerns over regional equity.

The plan has been cautiously welcomed by industry leaders. Iain Gamble, head of real estate at Brabners, said the 10-year framework provides much-needed continuity beyond electoral cycles, helping to attract private investment and enable long-term regeneration. “A sustained approach to infrastructure is essential for unlocking economic potential across regions,” he noted.

Justin Young, chief executive of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), emphasised the importance of integrated planning. “Delivering 1.5 million homes requires more than construction, it requires the roads, schools, hospitals, and utilities that create viable communities,” he said. “This strategy represents a meaningful step forward in aligning infrastructure investment with sustainable national growth.”

While the publication sets a more structured and professional tone for future development, its true test will lie in execution. Delivery, transparency, and cross-sector collaboration will be critical to ensuring the UK regains its standing as a reliable builder of world-class infrastructure.