Copeland to benefit from LEP investment as government gives £12.7 million to Cumbria

The government announced earlier this week a further £12.7 million of taxpayers' money for Cumbria through an allocation called "Growth Deal 3" (on top of £47.7m already secured in previous Growth Deal rounds), which could see 4,000 jobs created, 3,000 homes built and attract £100 million extra investment over the next 5 years.

A substantial proportion of this money is coming to Copeland as the Board of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, the county’s strategic economic body, has set out plans for five major investment programmes, including £5m for developments at Lillyhall North, £4.5m for improvements to Whitehaven Town Centre, and £1m for Carlisle Station Gateway and the Citadels.

The investment programmes are as follows:
  • Lillyhall North – £5,000,000 to develop the employment site, create and safeguard jobs and provide new workspace
  • Whitehaven Town Centre – £4,500,000 investment for commercial office development
  • Carlisle Station Gateway and the Citadels – £1,000,000 investment for commercial development
  • Skills Capital 2 – £1,160,000 to deliver Cumbria Skills Implementation Plan projects and support Area-Based Review process
  • Growing Our Potential 2 – £1,000,000 for grants to help small business
The Local Enterprise Partnership will seek alternative sources of funding for other major projects in the county such as road improvements and future flood resilience programmes.

Jackie Arnold, Vice Chair of the Board at Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, said:

“We welcome the chance to apply the Government’s Growth Deal funding allocation to key projects at Lillyhall North, Whitehaven Town Centre, and Carlisle Station Gateway and the Citadels, as well as for our Skills Capital 2 and Growing Our Potential 2 programmes.  They will bring substantial economic benefits to the county."

Welcoming the plans, Penrith MP, Rory Stewart, said:

“This is a welcome plan that will deliver more high-skilled, high wage jobs and support Cumbria’s industries.

“Local businesses and workers have the chance to contribute to this vision and submit their views to help us create a high-skilled economy in the county where businesses can grow and more jobs are created.

“This strategy will ensure we are backing business locally and ensure more people share in the benefits of its success.”

Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said:

“This is an important step in building a modern, dynamic Industrial Strategy that will improve living standards and drive economic growth across Cumbria.

“We need to build on the UK’s strengths and extend excellence into the future; close the gap between the UK’s most productive companies, industries, places and people and the rest; and ensure we are one of the most competitive places in the world to start and grow a business.

“The North West has a world-leading reputation in a number of the UK’s best sectors and industries. Through our Industrial Strategy and investment in the Northern Powerhouse we plan to build on the Cumbria’s strengths, creating new jobs in other industries.”

For further details about Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, go to www.cumbrialep.co.uk

More details of this story on the Cumbria Crack website here.

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