Lancashire County Council has confirmed that the government is set to release the first pot of funding ahead of the establishment of the new combined authority for Lancashire.
Investment worth £20 million was agreed as part of the county’s devolution deal and will be used for a number of projects to support place-based economic regeneration, innovation-led growth, and ambitions for achieving net zero. This comes ahead of the Lancashire Combined County Authority being established in early next year.
The schemes that are proposed to benefit from the funding are:
- £6 million for an Innovation Hub in the Samlesbury Enterprise Zone
- £2 million for a low-carbon data centre at Silicon Sands within Blackpool Enterprise Zone
- £6 million for the Innovation Quarter in Blackburn town centre
- £4 million for new officers for the Department for Work and Pensions in Blackpool Town Centre
- £2 million for a home upgrade grant scheme across the county
Leader of Lancashire County Council, Cllr Phillippa Williamson, said:
"This funding is just the first pot of money which will come to Lancashire thanks to the new CCA.
"These schemes are a great illustration of the type of projects we want to support, which we know will make a lasting difference in the county.
"Each scheme will have real tangible benefits, helping to innovate and create jobs, and in the case of Cosy Homes help some of our most vulnerable residents keep warm using the latest technology.
"The Innovation Hub located at Samlesbury Enterprise Zone, will be a new, exciting, space that allows Lancashire businesses, residents and key sectors to engage with National Cyber Force and the businesses within their supply chain.
"This will open up new jobs, technologies and opportunities across the Lancashire economy strengthening our capacity to embrace innovation and drive growth."
Once the combined authority is established, it will give the county a stronger voice on both the regional and national stages, without disrupting the established local authorities as they deliver local services.
Councillor Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council Leader, also commented:
“The initially agreed projects will start us on the journey of a new way of working with Government for the benefit of the whole of Lancashire once the County Combined Authority is formally established.
“We are looking forward to seeing a new digital and creative business hub be created as a direct result of the devolution deal funding. The former St John Church in Blackburn town centre will get a new lease of life and the Making Rooms, home of innovative technical developments for all to use, will be extended. These are all designed to make sure we are well positioned to take advantage of the opportunities ahead and our borough’s entrepreneurial spirit.”
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