Are we ready for the infrastructure revolution? New EY report reveals pressures faced by our cities
MPs respond to the new EY’s Future Cities report, which lays bare the increasing pressure on our cities as the global population grows to 9 billion.
Increasing pressure is being put on infrastructure and services as cities grow in size and number, a new EY report has found.
There has been an average 3.4% increase between 2011 and 2015, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show. London and Bristol recorded the highest growth – 5.7% and 4.5% respectively.
The UN predicts city living will reach 66% by 2050, driving innovation and agile approaches to infrastructure design and use.
EY also found whilst many of the technologies that will power future UK cities and infrastructure are still emerging, disruption is increasing the pressure on cities to become smart and resilient. New ideas and providers are accelerating the pace of change, challenging traditional business models and demanding new approaches.
Amanda Clack, Head of Infrastructure Advisory at EY, comments: “If the UK is to remain competitive on the world stage, it is important that we invest in the technology and innovation needed to ensure our cities are resilient enough to cope with future demands.
“Collaboration across cities through initiatives like the Northern Powerhouse, Midlands Engine will play a vital role and with mayoral elections for city regions on the horizon, quality leadership will be key in driving this agenda.”
The challenges city leaders face around funding, financing and finite resources means projects need to be prioritised and benefits enhanced. Whilst a holistic approach should be considered, in order to deliver solutions, the report insists a pragmatic approach is required.
The newly published Future Cities report found the rise of digital and mobile technologies will generate more data, different demands and different ways of interacting with cities and infrastructure.
There needs to be a focus on citizens and the user experience to ensure solutions are relevant, achievable, sustainable and deliver benefits.
Responding to the report’s findings, Smart Cities APPG chair Mark Prisk said: “The application of smart technologies and open data can enable our growing cities to adapt and improve people's quality of life, by helping our transport, telecoms, public realm, buildings and public services to be more efficient and responsive to people's needs.
“The key is focusing on what people want and need and to design the emerging city facilities to respond to those needs. The UK has a growing expertise in this field and it’s important we now spread best practice.”
Vice chair of the Smart Cities APPG Seema Malhotra told PoliticsHome: "This timely report boldly sets out the challenges we face as our global population grows to 9 billion and cities rise to the challenge for how to build and sustain shared prosperity across the world. We need to think differently as we look to address both the demographic change we are set to see alongside changing expectations around how we live, the consumer demands for better technology, communications and quality of life.
"The infrastructure revolution is set to be the greatest and most exciting since the Victorian times. How we move forward must also respond to the necessity of tackling climate change, reducing pollution and ensuring efficient use of resources.
"Demographics are leading to bigger more crowded cities where the sheer numbers and aging population demand sometimes radical changes to the shape of streets and other infrastructure. As we build cities, we must also be mindful of how build communities in a world of growing insecurity and transience in urban life. New technology can improve productivity, but it also creates challenges that society has not had to face before. Getting the challenge right will not just reshape cities, but contribute to a vital sense of belonging and connection in an ever faster changing world.”
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