Better transport links in north could 'turbocharge' national economy says Andy Burnahm as he lays out vision for 'Northern Arc' The Greater Manchester Mayor is to meet government officials to discuss the vision plan - which includes a new Manchester to Liverpool rain line Mr Burnham says that 'outdated infrastructure linking our great cities risks limiting our potential' (Image: Joel Goodman ) Poor transport links risk holding back economic development in Greater Manchester and across the north of England, says Andy Burnham. It comes as he prepares to meet government officials to set out his vision for a 'Northern Arc' - which includes a new rail line between Manchester and Liverpool. ‌ Mr Burnham says Greater Manchester has been 'the UK’s economic success story over the past decade.' Article continues below Analysis shows the region has seen the fastest growth in the UK, with average annual growth of 3.1 per cent since 2015, and the highest productivity growth of anywhere in the country. However, Mr Burnham claims that the 'outdated infrastructure linking our great cities risks limiting our potential.' Mr Burnham with Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the then Transport Secretary Louise Haigh on a train in Stalybridge last November (Image: PA ) ‌ He is calling on the government to back plans for 'Northern Arc. On Tuesday, he will meet Treasury officials to discuss the plans, ahead of the upcoming spending review. He is also due to will give evidence on industrial strategy to the Business and Trade Select Committee. The plan, based on new analysis from economists at Metro Dynamics, would involve linking a number of economic areas from stretching from the North West to the Pennines and connecting into West and South Yorkshire. ‌ It is underpinned by transport links that would include a new railway from Liverpool to Manchester. Mr Burnham's office say research by economists suggests that the north is losing £16 billion a year in productivity due to 'poor transport links.' There is also, they say, a 27 percent 'growth gap' between London and North West which could widen without investment. Mr Burnham with Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig (Image: Joel Goodman ) ‌ The 'Northern Arc', it is claimed, could help 'rebalance infrastructure investment' and 'turbocharge' economic output to the tune of £90 billion by 2040. It, they add, could generate a similar amount to the 'Oxford-Cambridge Arc' which recently got government backing and which, it is said, could generate £78 billion by 2025. Mr Burnham said: “The Northern Arc is the most exciting growth opportunity on offer – and one that can give a massive boost to the national economy. ‌ “Greater Manchester has been the UK’s economic success story over the past decade, as part of a resurgent North pioneering English devolution. "But the outdated infrastructure linking our great cities risks limiting our potential and widening the productivity gap with London and the South East. “The Government has given its backing to the Oxford-Cambridge Arc to boost economic output in the South. We can say with confidence that the Northern Arc is our answer to reaping the rewards of growth here – and offers an even bigger prize for UK plc.” Article continues below Leader of Manchester City Council, and the Greater Manchester lead for economy, business, and inclusive growth said: “We’ve seen a remarkable decade of growth in Greater Manchester with a fast-growing economy outpacing our international competitors. "The right investment, better connecting us with our neighbours in Sheffield, Leeds and beyond will kickstart a new decade of growth across the North of England, creating new jobs and opportunities for our residents and helping our people and our places to truly fulfil their potential and deliver growth for the whole country.”