Lancashire gets £70m growth boost in new Powerhouse drive

The county’s enterprise partnership (LEP) has received one of the largest Growth Deal investment packages in the UK.

Priority projects set to be kick-started by the cash include:

• The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre NW based at the Lancashire Aerospace Enterprise Zone at Samlesbury. The LEP is working with Sheffield University to drive world class productivity and innovation gains through key SME supply chains.

• South Lancaster Housing Growth initiative. Ambitious housing growth plans with ‘Garden Village’ status linked to the expansion of a world class university, with both elements underpinned by major transport infrastructure improvements.

• A 21^st Century Conference Centre and Hotel in Blackpool. The development at the Winter Gardens that will enable Blackpool to re-establish its presence as a leading national conference destination.

• North West Burnley Growth Corridor. This development will unlock new housing and employment growth opportunities in Padiham and link with new flood defence proposals.

• Pennine Gateways in Blackburn with Darwen. Key transport infrastructure improvements at gateways to the M65 at junctions four, five and six of the motorway will improve the commercial deliverability of a range of housing and employment growth sites

• Lomeshaye Industrial Estate Extension. Growth Deal investment will support the extension of one of East Lancashire's largest strategic employment sites within the M65 industrial corridor.

Edwin Booth, who chairs the LEP, said today: “The Government has challenged all regions to be bold and ambitious with regards to bids for funding, but also demanded that delivery is managed in a rigorous, accountable and impactful manner.

“We have also demonstrated to government our ambition, appetite and capacity to become a key economic force within the Northern Powerhouse.”

“Initiatives like the AMRC at the Samlesbury Aerospace Enterprise Zone reaffirm Lancashire’s position as the UK’s leading region for aerospace and advanced manufacturing activity, meaning we can continue to compete on a global scale for more advanced engineering and manufacturing contracts.

“In terms of improved connectivity we have also secured significant backing for several ambitious transport plans, including the reconfigured Junction 33 on the M6 which will spearhead a major housing and road scheme for south Lancaster, creating a new connection between the University of Lancaster and Lancaster city centre.”