Revamped Infrastructure Pipeline offers long-term clarity and certainty with real-time updates

The government has released the long-awaited Infrastructure Pipeline, providing a comprehensive, forward-looking view of major infrastructure projects and programmes across the UK.

Giving details of hundreds of live schemes and underpinning the delivery of the 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy launched in June, the Infrastructure Pipeline is described by government as “a new tool giving investors and industry clarity they need to plan for the long term and support the delivery of the government's infrastructure ambitions”.

Published by the newly created National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) and building on data from 40 government departments, public bodies and regulated businesses, the Infrastructure Pipeline is now presented as interactive online tool providing real-time updates on public and privately led infrastructure projects under construction, in development, or at an early stage of planning including transport, energy, schools and hospitals. The first iteration outlines £530bn of infrastructure investment covering 780 projects over the next 10 years.

While effectively an update on the National Construction and Infrastructure Pipeline (last published in 2022 and widely seen as an unfunded government wish list), the new version provides visibility not just of what is being built, but what is planned to be built — and crucially, when and how. It includes anticipated capital spend, project status, and expected completion dates. Unlike its predecessor, it reflects a more joined-up approach across departments, with NISTA playing a central coordinating role.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones MP said “Last month, I set out a comprehensive ten-year strategy to restore confidence in the UK’s capacity to provide the infrastructure we need to renew Britain.

“By providing a more consistent picture of significant infrastructure investments planned by both government and the private sector, the pipeline aims to improve the quality of policy making, spending decisions and the delivery of major projects - replacing the previously erratic and uncoordinated nature of infrastructure planning with a more certain picture.

“This is backed by a new online pipeline tool allowing users to see the national and regional picture of planned investments by both the government and private sector in real time. As well as providing details of individual projects, users will also be able to look at the full range of planned investments.”

Becky Wood, Chief Executive Office of NISTA, said, “We’ve listened to a wide range of voices to ensure this pipeline is designed to give the infrastructure sector the information and insights needed to plan with confidence and to build the skills, workforce and supply chains required.

“NISTA is committed to working with investors, operators and construction firms on future iterations to ensure the pipeline is where private and public sector partners will stand firmly behind a shared ambition to do things better.”

John Foster, Chief Policy and Campaigns Officer at CBI said, “A dynamic, forward-looking infrastructure pipeline is exactly what business needs to plan, invest, and build with confidence. This announcement responds to long-standing calls from industry and sends a strong signal that government is serious about long-term infrastructure planning. Greater clarity and certainty on upcoming projects will unlock investment in nationally significant schemes, strengthen supply chains, and support high-value jobs across the UK.”

Sam Gould, Director of policy and external affairs at the Institution of Civil Engineers said, “The ICE has promoted the importance of an up-to-date, credible project pipeline for some time, so NISTA’s publication of the new Infrastructure Pipeline is a welcome step forward. Having an agreed list of projects provides essential clarity for the industry to plan – not just for delivery, but to enable better workforce planning and attract necessary finance.

“The commitment from NISTA to regularly update the Pipeline with insights and data from across industry is also positive, and the ICE looks forward to working with NISTA to refine and develop this Pipeline. This joined-up, systematic approach is what’s needed to plan for and deliver the infrastructure the UK needs.”

Mark Reynolds, Mace’s Executive Chair and Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council and Co-Chair of the Construction Skills Mission Board, said, “The construction industry cannot invest in new skills, capacity and technology without clarity on our future workload. The government’s pipeline plays a critical role in allowing us to scale up. NISTA’s new dynamic approach is a major step forward; and the inclusion of employment data will make a significant difference to firms across the country as they plan for the next few years of growth.”

Leo Quinn, Group Chief Executive of Balfour Beatty, said, “The new Infrastructure Pipeline is a big step forward, giving industry the clarity and confidence to invest in skills, grow capability and deliver sustainable, digital solutions. It’s what Balfour Beatty has been calling for: funded schemes, greater detail and transparency, and real-time updates to support business planning. The challenge now is keeping up momentum and making it a trusted tool for long-term UK infrastructure planning.”

Jon Phillips, Chief Executive, Global Infrastructure Investor Association said, “This is a positive step towards strengthening the UK’s appeal as a destination for private finance of critical infrastructure. Global investors will value a clear pipeline of projects that shows the full scope of the UK’s investment potential. We look forward to working closely with the government to ensure the pipeline meets investors’ needs and has the greatest possible impact on UK economic growth.”