The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has announced a new initiative to stimulate the economy in Cumbria, to create diverse jobs, skills and training opportunities.
Copeland Borough Council have developed the project, with support from the NDA, that will see an Industrial Solutions Hub based at Cleator Moor in West Cumbria. This hub will create around 700 new job opportunities, whist generating a further £40 million of revenue per year for local businesses.
The NDA have pledged £7 million worth of backing for the project, which follow up their commitment to invest in the communities where it is progressing its mission of nuclear decommissioning. The funding will be used to develop the new iSH campus, whilst also aiming to unlock further government funding as part of the Cleator Moor Town Deal, worth £22.5 million.
David Peattie, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, said:
“We work with communities to invest in projects that deliver a positive and long-lasting legacy, providing significant social and economic benefits.
“The iSH will create jobs and opportunities or generations to come and provide a space for organisations to collaborate and come up with solutions to global industry challenges. Working with Sellafield Ltd and Copeland Borough Council, our investment aims to leverage in millions more than we could provide alone, helping to maximise the benefit of our mission to the West Cumbrian community.”
Alongside the funding from the NDA, Sellafield Ltd have also invested in the project through the social impact multiplied programme, with £4.2 million being injected to date, with further investment expected through the Cleator Moor Town Deal.
Managing Director of iSH, John Maddison, added:
“We thank those in the NDA, along with those in Copeland Borough Council and Sellafield, who have given our programme their support and this vital financial backing.
“The iSH is an initiative of regional, national and international significance which will create jobs, enable collaboration, enhance skills, provide access to business support, and bring a range of economic, environmental and social benefits to the community.
“We will build on the industry excellence of the NDA, Sellafield and its supply chain and through collaboration will turn that into opportunities for businesses and organisations to grow and create more skills, training and employment, making a positive difference to people’s lives, the community and the environment.”
