Newspaper roundup: 27 July

Metronet

The Guardian claimed that Transport for London (TfL) has been in talks with the government to take over the management of collapsed tube contractor Metronet, in a proposal similar to the way in which Railtrack was taken over by Network Rail. But TfL declined to comment and said there were no plans to bring Metronet 'in house'.

Manchester road pricing

The Guardian reported that Manchester could insitute a road pricing zone 12 times larger than London's congestion zone, after ministers demanded a traffic management zonein return for making £3bn available from the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) for 31 public transport improvements.

Dull architecture

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has warned that Britain will become a "dull, second-rate society" unless it builds more of the adventurous modern buildings other countries take for granted, according to the Times. The comments made by RIBA president Jack Pringle came after the shortlist for the 12th annual Sterling Prize was heavily weighted toward overseas buildings.

Thames Gateway bridge

A public inquiry into the £500m Thames Gateway bridge has been reopened after an inspector recommended that it should not be built, according to the Guardian. The scheme was opposed by local residents and environmental groups who argued it would add to traffic and pollution. Communities and Local Government Secretary Hazel Blears said she wanted a new inquiry to see if the bridge would lead to regeneration.

York Minster

The Independent revealed that York Minster is to receive a £10m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore crumbling parts of its structure. The building is the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe.

Newspaper Roundup Articles