Douglas Oakervee, OBE, Executive Chairman of Cross London Rail Links Ltd, welcomed the Prime Minister’s statement on 5 October 2007 that following a detailed and thorough review of the scheme’s affordability the much-needed Crossrail project will now proceed.
The details of the funding arrangements were included in the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review announced on Tuesday, October 9.
Mr Oakervee said: ‘This is a great day for the Crossrail team and for all our partners. I must especially thank Ruth Kelly, the Secretary of State for Transport, the Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, and the Business Sector, for their firm and unwavering support to this project going ahead.
‘We are now ready, subject to the Bill receiving Royal Assent, to take this vital project for London through to a successful conclusion, on time and within budget.’
He added: ‘Crossrail remains subject to the passage of the Crossrail Bill, now proceeding through Parliament, and is likely to receive Royal Assent by summer of 2008.
‘This will enable detailed design and essential enabling works then to move forward, with full construction under way from 2010 and services commencing in 2017.’
* For further information please contact the 24 hour seven day a week helpline on 0845 602 3813 or helpdesk@crossrail.co.uk A translation of this release in Bengali can be found as a download (right).
(L-R) Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and Crossrail Executive Chairman Douglas Oakervee look at a model of the Crossrail Bond Street station, before the PM announced the go-ahead for the project, Friday October 5, 2007
(L-R) Crossrail Executive Chairman Douglas Oakervee, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Mayor of London Ken Livingstone and Secretary of State for Transport, Ruth Kelly, discuss Crossrail plans before the Prime Minister announced the go-ahead for the project, Friday October 5, 2007.
Issued 5 October 2007
