Plan moves forward for new £13.2m Innovation Hub

Plans have entered the next stage for the new innovation hub to boost collaboration in key sectors has been announced by Lancashire County Council.

The proposed hub at the Samlesbury Enterprise Zone will drive productivity benefits and innovation, especially in digital, cyber, advanced manufacturing, energy and aerospace sectors, building on existing and emerging strengths in the county.

The county council's cabinet has agreed to provide £7.2m for the project.

With this funding agreed, work will continue to confirm the proposals, so that an implementation plan can be put in place.

This new circa 20,000 sq ft building would provide a mixture of private offices, collaboration space, events facilities and a café.

Coun Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "The Innovation Hub facility will help to create momentum as a focal point for collaboration, as well as a place to catalyse innovation between the National Cyber Force, large industry partners, education institutions, agile businesses  and expert practitioners.

"This dynamic project aims to provide an adaptable space to encourage a range of business sectors to come together, which will benefit Lancashire though innovation, jobs and economic growth." 

The project is also supported by £6m of capital funding from the Lancashire County Combined Authority, providing a specific boost to the county from the newly in place devolution agreement.

Coun Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for economic development and growth, added: "Partners and representatives from key sectors have shown that there is a strong demand for high-quality innovation facilities in this part of Lancashire.

"We're pleased that we've now been able to add county council funding to  accelerate  this important project.

"Now that cabinet has agreed this funding, detailed design and planning proposals will be developed in the early part of this year."

You can read a copy of the Cabinet report online.

In November, Lancashire Business View reported that the government was set to release £20million of funding in preparation for the setting up of Lancashire's new Combined County Authority (CCA).

The money, which was agreed as part of the county's Devolution Deal, will be used to fund a number of projects supporting place-based economic regeneration, innovation-led growth and net zero ambitions.

The schemes proposed to receive funding were:

• £6m for an Innovation Hub at Samlesbury Enterprise Zone;
• £2m for Silicon Sands – Low Carbon Data Centre, Blackpool Enterprise Zone;
• £6m for the Innovation Quarter, Blackburn Town Centre;
• £4m for new town centre offices for the Department for Work and Pensions, Blackpool town centre;
• £2m for Cosy Homes in Lancashire – a £41million energy efficiency home upgrade grant scheme which benefits all areas of the county.