RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is calling for more to be done to help the general public better understand the importance of major infrastructure projects to our fast paced lives and future economic growth.
While infrastructure is firmly on the news agenda – following George Osborne’s announcement in the Autumn Statement to pump £61bn into improving the country’s transport framework – RICS research shows that the term ‘infrastructure’ is not understood by those outside of the built environment industry.
In fact, less than a third (32%) of those surveyed by RICS said they understood what the word means, and over 70% admitted to not being aware of any infrastructure projects local to them.
These trends have prompted calls for more initiatives to champion infrastructure’s role in connecting people and improving lives. One such initiative is RICS’ Infrastructure Photography Competition, which challenges members of the public to submit images of man-made physical structures such as bridges, tunnels, railways, airports, power stations and renewable energy constructions.
Amanda Clack, President Elect of RICS and Head of Infrastructure Advisory at EY, explained: “Continued Government investment in infrastructure is clearly good news. But while various new projects are being planned and developed across the country, the term ‘infrastructure’ is not one that resonates with the general public. This is a shame because infrastructure has such a fantastic impact on our day-to-day lives: it powers our homes, it enables us to travel, and it brings us closer together, particularly in times of need when we need access to health facilities.
“We’re keen to help people better understand the importance of infrastructure, and our photography competition is a great way to help us do this whilst celebrating our most iconic infrastructure schemes across the UK.”
Anyone aged 18 and over can enter the RICS Infrastructure Photography Competition and the top ten entries, including the overall winner will be celebrated in a VIP exhibition, with the images auctioned in aid of LandAid.
The deadline to enter the competition is 19 February 2016. To find out more and be in with a chance of winning £2,000 worth of specialist photography equipment visit: www.rics.org/infrastructurephoto
