A new Employment and Skills Hub has been formed through HS2 funding and is set to benefit businesses and residents in West London.
The funding was successfully secured by The Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) to the HS2 Business and Local Economy Fund, securing over a quarter of a million pounds.
The hub is being delivered in partnership with London Borough of Brent, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, London Borough of Ealing, West London College and the Department for Work and Pensions.
The hub will support businesses in West London who are facing difficult economic times and beyond, to provide stability and growth and to help businesses recruit, retain and develop a local, skilled workforce.
Local people will also be able to gain new skills and access employment opportunities created by local businesses, as well as OPDC’s and HS2’s infrastructure and development projects.
The £255,200 funding award has come from the HS2 Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF), part of a combined total of £40m in funding available to local communities and businesses that are demonstrably disrupted by the construction of Britain’s new high-speed railway between London and the West Midlands. This award joins the other 125 projects between London and the West Midlands that have also benefitted.
HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson said: “As construction of HS2 progresses, it’s crucial that impacted residents and businesses continue to be supported and benefit from the jobs and skills this project creates.
“With over £7 million already invested in helping communities along the HS2 route, it’s great to see this latest funding go to creating a new Employment and Skills Hub in West London, providing an economic stimulus as the country fights back from Covid-19.”
Cathy Elliot, Independent Chair of the HS2 Funds said: “These funds are critical to support business and communities close to the construction of HS2 that are impacted by the works, and I am pleased that this OPDC-led project is supporting the local economy. This award will positively support businesses and communities, providing a lasting legacy.
“I encourage other businesses and organisations near to the line of route to apply and gain the tangible benefits of these funds.”
Image: HS2
