03.01.19
HS2 project part of new East Midlands manufacturing zones scheme
A north Derbyshire HS2 project has been named as one of the locations of the UK’s first manufacturing zones in the East Midlands.
Communities secretary James Brokenshire has announced that four projects have been chosen to form the new and innovative East Midlands Manufacturing Zones, providing £500,000 worth of funding to support economic growth in the Midlands Engine.
The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership to develop the Northern Derbyshire Manufacturing Zone will receive the largest chunk of funding, £220,000, and its purpose is to enable the area to benefit from potential investment associated with the development and maintenance of HS2.
The partnership aims to accelerate the development on six sites across three local authorities in northern Derbyshire, all with recognised manufacturing heritage and presence to provide greater certainty on planning issues to unlock investment for growth.
Alongside HS2, projects from the food sector and space industry will form the new manufacturing zones across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire, which aim to reduce planning restrictions to allow land to be used more productively and provide certainty for business investment.
The announcement comes as Brokenshire, who is also the government’s Midlands Engine Champion, visits organisations across the East Midlands to hear how they are contributing to the region at the heart of the UK’s economic success.
James Brokenshire commented: “Manufacturing, innovation and trade are at the heart of the East Midlands economy, so it is the perfect place for the UK’s first Manufacturing Zones.
“This is another example of how the government’s is delivering for the Midlands with our modern Industrial Strategy backing local businesses and building on local strengths.”
The other manufacturing zones include Melton Mowbray, the Greater Lincolnshire Enterprise Partnership and the planned Space Park Leicester.
Image credit - OwenPrice