DELIVERING THE
FOUR-PRONGED ATTACK
Cumbria’s Strategic Investment Plan
#fourprongedattack
July 2016
1.INTRODUCTION
The Cumbria Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) for 2014 – 2024 recognises
Cumbria’s potential to become one of the fastest growing economies in
the UK. Local partners are committed to deliver the SEP and this document
demonstrates how we are working collaboratively and our track record of
delivery.
To drive this growth, the Plan identifies four priorities that
reflect our economic assets:
• Advanced Manufacturing Growth
• Nuclear and Energy Excellence
• Vibrant Rural and Visitor Economy
• Strategic Connectivity of the M6 Corridor
This is the right focus for Cumbria and utilising the SEP we
have sought to identify and deliver interventions based
on, and informed by, these priorities. We have made
significant progress in delivering projects and programmes
to meet these priorities and have big ambitions to drive
economic growth even faster. This document articulates
our plan.
Our ambition aligns with the priorities of the Government
and recognises that the Cumbrian economy is a core
part of the Northern Powerhouse and the UK’s global
proposition. The success of Cumbria is pivotal to that of
the wider UK. Not simply in terms of the, jobs, exports and
revenue created by Cumbria’s businesses, but in terms of
Cumbria’s vision
sets out how we
can create 31,500
new jobs and boost
the economy by a
further £1.3bn
02 DELIVERING THE FOUR-PRONGED ATTACK
its nationally significant assets. Cumbria will continue to
anchor the UK nuclear sector, meet the UKs future energy
needs and drive innovation through our world class
advanced manufacturing sector.
What makes us unique is the combination of Cumbria
being a great place for business innovation and enterprise
with a world-class environment, landscape and quality
of life offer. Our plan is to enhance this and promote this
with a long-term programme of delivery through our four
economic drivers of:
•
Infrastructure Improvements
•
Skills Development
•
Business Support
•
Environmental Sustainability
This document articulates our strategic approach
to investment and priorities for the next five years.
In particular it establishes the role of growth deal in
supporting growth and Cumbria’s contribution to the UK
economy.
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Cumbria’s national and
international business
excellence and innovation
will allow it to be a driver
of economic growth while
also providing the power,
water, leisure resources and
transport linkages needed
for the rest of the Northern
Powerhouse and central
Scotland – this all framed by a
world class environment.
Newcastle
Cumbria
Leeds
Manchester
Sheffield
Liverpool
SCOTLAND
A6071
Longtown
A6071
A7
Carlisle Airport
44
<
A689
A689
A689
A595
NORTHUMBERLAND
A69
43
Carlisle
Silloth
A69
Brampton
> Wall Line
Hadrian's
42
Wigton
A595
A596
Alston
>
A6
Aspatria
Maryport
A594
A596
Settle Carlisle
Line
A689
A686
A591
DURHAM
41
Cockermouth
Workington
Penrith
40
A66
A592
>
Keswick
A5086
Whitehaven
Appleby
West Coast
Main Line
A66
Brough
A595
Cleator Moor
Egremont
>
Cumbrian
Coastal Line
LAKE DISTRICT
A685
A591
Kirkby Stephen
A6
Ambleside
B5344
Sellafield
39
A592
38
Windermere
Seascale
A683
Kendal
>
Lakes Line
A595
A684
A592
37
A684
Sedbergh
A684
A5092
Millom
A595
Ulverston
Furness
-inDalton
A590
A6
Kirkby Lonsdale
>
Furness Line
Barrow-in-Furness
Milnthorpe
36
A65
Grange
-overSands
YORKSHIRE
M6
A5087
LANCASHIRE
DELIVERING THE FOUR-PRONGED ATTACK
03
2.CUMBRIA’S OFFER
Cumbria has a unique and compelling offer to businesses and investors in
the global economy, creating a robust foundation for the future growth of the
economy with forecast investment for Cumbria out-stripping major urban
conurbations.
Cumbria’s offer can be summarised as:
The energy and water
supplies needed to support
the ongoing sustainable
development of the
UK economy, with
investments worth
more than £25bn in
the pipeline.
Internationally-renowned visitor
offer which has further potential
to grow and add value.
National connectivity
provided by the M6 and
West Coast Mainline.
The historic City of
Carlisle and attractive
market towns with an
increasing supply of
quality employment land,
housing, leisure, shopping
and education facilities.
4 DELIVERING
THE
FOUR-PRONGED
ATTACK
04
DELIVERING
THE
FOUR-PRONGED
ATTACK
A key engine of growth for
the Northern Powerhouse.
World-class expertise,
innovation and skills base
in nuclear, energy and
specialist manufacturing.
Strength in the agri-food
sector linked to food and
drink provenance.
International
connectivity created by
our ports and airport.
A world-class
landscape and quality
of life to match.
Strong private sector
commitment to
investment in workforces
and apprentices.
National Grid
investment
in North
West Coast
connections
£2bn
Walney
Wind Farm
£2bn
Moorside
Nuclear power
station £20bn
GSK
£350m
£25bn
BAE Systems
Successor
Programme
£650m
new investment over
next decade
Additional
economic output of
31,460
new full time jobs
United Utilities
pipeline
£300m
20,000
£1.3bn
per year
new homes
DELIVERING THE FOUR-PRONGED ATTACK
05
Planned investments
in Cumbria have a
potential value of
£25bn
Cumbria’s Excellence
Cumbria is a place of opportunity. The County is a key
part of the Northern Powerhouse, providing a strong and
export orientated economy (worth over 10bn a year in GVA)
and the power, water and environment that underpins the
wider UK economy. This strength is reflected in the level of
investments coming into our County over the next decade,
approximately £25bn in total with five of the eight largest
proposed investment projects in the North West being
delivered in the county.
Cumbria’s beautiful landscapes and stunning natural
environment hosts a dynamic and diverse economy.
Cumbria’s businesses include those playing a leading
role in hi-tech fields like energy, nuclear and advanced
manufacturing, but also in those sectors that capitalise
on the geography of the county like logistics, food
production, farming and forestry production, plus our
globally-recognised tourism offer. These strengths already
have attracted major industries and investment, from
large household names to dynamic small and medium
sized businesses, many of which form our dynamic
manufacturing supply chain and drive innovation.
Top LEP for concentration of employment
in manufacturing - 16.4% compared to 8.4%
nationally and 10.5% in Northern Powerhouse
Top LEP for concentration of employment in export intensive
sectors - 19.4% compared to 14.9% nationally and 15.2% in
Northern Powerhouse
Top LEP for proportion of GVA derived from
manufacturing - 24.4% compared to 10.0%
nationally and 13.5% in Northern Powerhouse
Third highest LEP for business density - 861
per 10,000 working age pop compared to 685
nationally and 560 in Northern Powerhouse
Second highest LEP for business survival to 5
years - 46.7% compared to 41.3% nationally and
40.5% in Northern Powerhouse
Top LEP for proportion of working age population with
an apprenticeship qualification - 5.1% compared to 3.1%
nationally and 3.6% in Northern Powerhouse
We are a high-performing economy with a plan and
ambition to grow further. Cumbria is in the top performing
LEP areas on indicators such as employment in export
intensive sectors and manufacturing. It is also one of
the top performing LEPs for enterprise survival and has
the highest proportion of apprentice qualifications in the
country. In both national and international terms, it’s a
great place to invest, do business and live.
Fourth fastest
growth area
over the last
decade
DELIVERINGTHE
THEFOUR-PRONGED
FOUR-PRONGEDATTACK
ATTACK
066 DELIVERING
Second highest LEP for proportion of people working
in skilled trades occupations - 15.9% compared to
11.4% nationally and 11.7% in Northern Powerhouse
Within the UK the
international nuclear
industry is valued at
£95bn and is growing
approximately 2.1%
per annum
CUMBRIA’S OFFER
Invest in Success
Cumbria is an internationally-recognised centre of nuclear
excellence, with the capability to lead the way on a range
of large-scale, nationally significant nuclear infrastructure
projects that will contribute towards economic growth, not
just for Cumbria but for the UK as a whole. The leading
example of this is the proposed Moorside Nuclear Power
Station located next to Sellafield which is a world leader
in spent fuel reprocessing and management of nuclear
waste. When complete Moorside will account for 7% of the
UK’s future electricity requirement.
Within the UK, the international nuclear industry is valued
at £95bn and is growing by approximately 2.1% per
annum. Countries across the globe are investing in new
nuclear power generation as well as decommissioning,
meaning Cumbria is uniquely placed to export its skills and
technology to an increasing global market.
Cumbria has long-standing expertise relating to the
defence nuclear sector and the development of micronuclear reactors which could provide a cost-effective,
reliable solution in emerging countries which have an
increasing demand for electricity.
The role of BAE Systems in the design, build, test
and commission and through-life support of nuclear
submarines is one of the key economic pillars of the
county. Employing in excess of 7,000 people, BAE supports
a highly technical UK based supply chain, many located
locally. This is supporting the build of the seven boat
Astute Class submarine programme and the design and
delivery of the new four boat Successor programme.
The county is also is home to specialisms in low-carbon
energy generation and technological innovation in clean
technologies including the DONG Energy scheme off
Walney. The low carbon energy sector already supports
approximately 400 businesses employing 8,100 people.
Cumbria’s nuclear and energy excellence has contributed
to the growth of a plethora of market-leading specialist
engineering companies such as James Fisher, React
Engineering, TIS, Safety Critical as well as major
international firms such as Amec, Babcock International,
Carillion, Doosan Power Systems and Energy Solutions.
These firms are part of productive cluster of industrial
expertise ranging from the design and production of
submarines, specialism in subsea technologies and
support for oil & gas to the production of new forms of
currency, tyres, biopharmaceuticals, food and textiles.
Firms including GlaxoSmithKline, Innovia Films, Siemens,
Centrica , Pirelli, McVities, New Balance, Sealy and
Kimberly Clark are all key engines of growth.
DELIVERING THE FOUR-PRONGED ATTACK
07
These industries are focused on our attractive towns which
enjoy a good supply of employment sites, leisure, retail,
housing and education facilities. The largest of these
settlements is the cathedral city of Carlisle.
Cumbria has a burgeoning educational offer, and
alongside our colleges, the county is home to the
successful University of Cumbria while the University of
Manchester, University of Central Lancashire and Askham
Bryan College all have facilities in the country.
With 150 miles of coastline, extensive agricultural and
woodland resources and an abundance of water, Cumbria
has natural assets that few other areas of England can
compete with. These features are already being harnessed
to develop offshore wind, hydro, marine, solar and
biomass energy together with a high-quality agricultural
and food production sector.
These natural assets are a core part of the attractions
provided by the Lake District National Park, part of the
Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Frontier of the
Roman Empire World Heritage Site (Hadrian’s Wall). These
National Parks together with historic market towns, Areas
of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and unique coastal
beauty amount to an unparalleled visitor offer.
088 DELIVERING
DELIVERING THE
THE FOUR-PRONGED
FOUR-PRONGED ATTACK
ATTACK
Cumbria’s position astride the M6, A66, A69 and West
Coast Mainline gives superb access to the rest of the
Northern Powerhouse and central Scotland. Moreover
the West Coast Mainline means the county is only 2 hours
40 minutes from the heart of London and we anticipate
that these times can be reduced through future HS2
connectivity.
Cumbria has much to offer, both in terms of economic
activity and its underpinning the economy of the
wider UK and the Northern Powerhouse in particular.
Fundamentally, Cumbria is a highly desirable place to live,
work, play, invest and raise a family – something more and
more firms are recognising. We believe that this quality of
life, underpinned by a world-class natural environment
and resources for the wider Northern Powerhouse can
become a real driver of economic growth.
Cumbria attracts
41.5 million visitors
a year who
generate £2.4bn
for the economy
Cumbria
is home to
world class
businesses and
assets
Sealy
Pirelli
McVities
Hadrian’s Wall
Carlisle Airport
University of Cumbria
BAE Systems
West Coast Mainline
Siemens Lake District
Carrs
Milling
NUGEN M6
Sport
M
Dalton Nuclear
Institute UCLan
Scottish Northern
Power Powerhouse
United
Sellafield New Balance Utilities
Port of Workington National College for Nuclear
Innovia
Films
Kimberly Clark
GlaxoSmithKline Stobart Group
Story
Homes
National Grid
DONG
Energy
Lakeland
Ltd
DELIVERING THE FOUR-PRONGED ATTACK
09
3.WHERE WE WILL GET TO…
In 2024 Cumbria will be an internationally recognised destination for business
and visitors. In particular the county will be known as a global leader in advanced
manufacturing, nuclear engineering, energy production, tourism and food
production. Supporting these sectors, the county will be home to a highly skilled
and innovative workforce, a diverse range of employment sites, attractive City and
town centres, a housing mix that can meet the needs of communities, reliable
transport and infrastructure links… all framed by a world-class landscape.
By meeting this vision we can create 31,500 new
jobs and boost the economy by £1.3bn – 13.0%
above baseline projections.
Delivery of our vision for Cumbria will be
dependent on the success of each of the SEP’s
priority areas, and what our success will look like
is articulated below.
Advanced Manufacturing Growth
Our plans to grow
the advanced
manufacturing
sector will create
7,300 new jobs
In 2024:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Cumbria will be globally recognised as a leading location for advanced manufacturing industries.
Existing manufacturers including, BAE, GSK and Pirelli, will continue to grow and expand and in so doing, facilitate the
growth of local supply chains and Cumbria’s international reputation.
Across the county there will be at least 7,300 more people employed in advanced manufacturing.
The county will be globally known as a world-class research and development and innovation base which will support
new start-ups and continue to attract highly skilled workers.
The links between the advanced manufacturing and energy sectors will be even strong stronger, with clusters of activity
allowing Cumbria to drive further economic growth, employment and critical innovation.
The University of Cumbria and further education sector will continue to attract students to Cumbria and help to deliver a
workforce with the skills required by industry.
More component parts will be made in Cumbria, with established clusters of supply chains business that can support a
range of businesses.
• Based on collaboration between sectorbased supply chains, new products and
services will be developed.
• The success and reputation of the county
will help to attract further manufacturing
businesses.
• Based on the quality and range of the
manufacturing base, exports will be growing.
10 10DELIVERING
DELIVERINGTHE
THEFOUR-PRONGED
FOUR-PRONGEDATTACK
ATTACK
Nuclear and Energy Excellence
In 2024:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Our energy sector will be internationally recognised for its innovation, safety and legacy management.
A new nuclear power station is being delivered at Moorside alongside other cutting-edge energy schemes. These will
help the county produce 10% of the UK’s total electricity requirement.
We will utilise our natural assets to drive forward a low-carbon economy.
We will have the fit for purpose port, rail and road infrastructure to support the delivery of major nuclear and energy
development and the wider Cumbrian economy.
Utilising a highly-skilled work force with a successful national college for nuclear skills and a strong supply chain, we will
be a global leader and exporter of technology and expertise for the energy sector.
Cumbria will host an internationally-renowned cluster of world-class research and development and innovation facilities
which act as a springboard to sell our ideas, expertise and skills nationally and internationally.
The skills and technology needed to support the nuclear and energy sector will be utilised to help support innovation
and growth in other sectors in an international market.
Using our established expertise we will be delivering the next generation of nuclear powered submarines.
The nuclear and energy expertise in the county will build on its connections with the defence sector and develop links
with others, including in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors.
Strategic Connectivity of the M6 Corridor
In 2024:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Cumbria will be home to well-serviced business parks along strategic routes, linking ports, airports and key roads and
rail. These will help attract new businesses supporting further growth in the logistics sector and increased diversification
availing of our manufacturing and energy excellence.
Our modern airport and port facilities will support new and existing businesses and the energy sector. These facilities
will also support the development of specialist clusters linked to the operation of the airport and ports.
Cumbria will be home to strong further education providers and universities that will be collaborating to deliver the skills
needed to support the wider economy.
Carlisle will be a vibrant university city with growing student numbers and a strong Science, Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics (STEM) offer.
Improved infrastructure will enable more predictable and reliable journeys from across Cumbria to the M6, this will
support growth in the logistics sector, widen supply chain opportunities and increase the opportunities available to
Cumbria’s labour force.
Population, housing and commercial growth will mean Carlisle is recognised as one of the most dynamic cities in
northern England.
The combination of our natural assets, connectivity, quality town centres, 11,000 new homes in Carlisle, Eden and
South Lakeland (approximately 18,000 County wide), quality employment sites and quality of life will ensure that the M6
corridor and Cumbria as a whole, is an internationally recognised place for a business to invest in.
The Enterprise Zone in Carlisle will attract new investment and bolster the wider employment offer of Carlisle.
DELIVERING THE FOUR-PRONGED ATTACK
11
Vibrant Rural and Visitor Economy
In 2024:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
We will have broadband coverage and 4G mobile phone coverage which will enable more businesses to locate in rural
areas. This will be supported by rural growth hubs, rural employment sites and business support.
Companies ranging from niche advanced manufacturing to research and development will be inspired by our stunning
rural setting, suitable digital infrastructure and associated quality of life proposition.
The Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Sites are recognised as “must visit” destinations in global terms and
act as a magnet drawing more visitors to Cumbria as a whole.
There will be more overnight and longer visitor stays, which will help to increase visitor expenditure by £360m to more
than £2.7bn.
Underpinned by a world-class visitor offer that capitalises on emerging opportunities such as cultural tourism, business
tourism, and Adventure Capital, Cumbria will have a more developed year-round visitor market helping to support new jobs.
Employment in the visitor economy will be more attractive, underpinned with increased wages and training
opportunities
We will have secured profitable land management, farming and forestry industries by capitalising on diversification,
adding value to their products, securing efficiency savings and identifying and establishing new markets such as carbon
brokering and biodiversity offsetting.
Our farming and food sector will continue to grow with Cumbrian food exported to a global market.
Improved local, national and international connectivity, will reduce the need for visitors to rely on private cars, and
making sustainable travel part of the attraction.
We will have attractive town and village centres and we will have continued to enhance and manage our environmental
infrastructure and landscapes which include three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
A new Rural Enterprise Zone will support local enterprises and attract investment, securing Cumbria’s position as a
leader in food production and in managing environmental resources sustainably.
There will be at least 1,500 more affordable homes in rural areas which will support the economic vitality and vibrancy
of our rural communities.
5 of 8 largest
investments
in the north west
are based in
Cumbria
DELIVERING
THE
FOUR-PRONGED
ATTACK
12 12DELIVERING
THE
FOUR-PRONGED
ATTACK
Cumbria
can produce enough
electricity for 14
million homes,
twice as many as
in the Northern
Powerhouse
How We Will Measure Success
In order to monitor progress towards the ambition set out in the SEP we have identified the following economic indicators.
Key Indicator
Earlier Ambition
What we can achieve*
Employment
15,000 more Full Time Equivalent Jobs
by 2024
31,500 more Full Time Equivalent
Jobs by 2024
Superfast Broadband Coverage
100% by 2024
100% by 2024
% of UK electricity generated in Cumbria 7% by 2024
10%
GVA of Cumbria’s Economy
Boost economy by £600m more than
baseline projections (7.0% above
baseline)
Boost economy by £1.3bn more
than baseline projections (13.0%
above baseline)
Proportion of firms facing skills gap
3% reduction in proportion of
businesses facing skills gap
4% reduction in proportion of
businesses facing skills gaps
Proportion of businesses reporting
growth
5% increase in businesses reporting
growth in employment or turnover
7% increase in businesses reporting
growth in employment or turnover
* With additional support from Government the SEP target could be increased to reflect the potential of the LEP being able
to drive forward additional economic activity and growth.
DELIVERING THE FOUR-PRONGED ATTACK
13
4.OUR STRATEGIC APPROACH
We have an ambitious vision for Cumbria and to achieve it we will
need to bring forward an equally ambitious strategy. Cumbria is
greater than the sum of its parts and our strategic approach is based
on a long term programme of targeted investments and
interventions in the four key drivers for the economy identified
in the SEP.
Business
Support
Infrastructure
Improvements
Our four drivers are: Business Support, Skills Development, Infrastructure Improvements and
Environmental Sustainability. Our programme of investment in the 4 drivers is designed to
support our 4 core sectors (Advanced Manufacturing Growth, Nuclear and Energy Excellence,
Vibrant Rural and Visitor Economy and Strategic Connectivity of the M6 Corridor), ensure we are
maximising the benefits and synergies between our capabilities and support the emergence of
new sectors. We call this the 4 x 4 approach.
14 14DELIVERING
THE
FOUR-PRONGED
ATTACK
DELIVERING
THE
FOUR-PRONGED
ATTACK
Skills
Development
Environmental
Sustainability
OUR STRATEGIC APPROACH
Infrastructure Improvements
Thanks to our energy, water, business and landscape offer,
Cumbria plays a critical role in supporting the UK economy
and in driving forward the aspiration of the Northern
Powerhouse. However in order to capitalise on the
substantial economic opportunity in Cumbria we need to
make sure the right infrastructure is in place. In particular
we need to ensure we can deliver the employment and
housing land and support the easy movement of people
and goods in, out and throughout the county. Alongside
these, we need to deliver the digital connectivity (both
in terms of broadband and mobile coverage) to further
enhance our links to the global economy and have critical
flood resilience . These elements will support the growth
of our key priority sectors and maximise opportunity for the
cross fertilisation and diversification of our key enterprises
and services and with that, increase GVA.
The scope and scale of the strategic infrastructure needed
to support the growth of Cumbria is far reaching and
diverse. Our Cumbria Infrastructure Plan has taken an
evidence based approach to identify the strategic priorities
critical in underpinning the future sustainable growth of
Cumbria. To make this happen we are already working
with partners including Transport for the North, DfT, BIS,
HCA, the Environment Agency, Highways England and
Network Rail.
Strategic Aims
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Strengthened Cumbrian, Transpennine and national rail linkages to enhance our connectivity both within the county, but
also with the key Northern Powerhouse cities and onwards to London and across the border to Central Scotland.
Secure infrastructure improvements, additional capacity and resilience on the Cumbrian Coastal Line railway to support
major development and the wider prosperity of Cumbria.
Improve the A66, A69, A590, A591 and A595 corridors including a new Whitehaven Relief Road, Ulverston Bypass and
Carlisle Southern Link Road.
Improve public transport connections within the county, including transformational sustainable transport initiatives and
strengthened links between West Cumbria and West Coast Main Line/M6 Corridor and within the Lake District National
Park.
Upgrade existing port facilities at Workington and support improvements at Barrow to help support the delivery of major
new investments in the county.
Delivery of passenger services to Carlisle thereby improving local connectivity with London, Belfast and Dublin with
onward connections to Europe, Asia and America.
Deliver flood and coastal defence improvements needed to protect homes, jobs and infrastructure and to open up new
opportunities as well as improve resilience to the effects of climate change.
• Work with Government and partners to deliver the important schooling,
digital, health and social infrastructure.
• With the support of Government and suppliers, complete the roll out of
mobile voice and data services, and superfast broadband to all
rural areas.
• Through local plans enable the delivery of homes and
employment land needed to support the economic potential of
Cumbria.
DELIVERING THE FOUR-PRONGED ATTACK
15
Environmental Sustainability
Ensuring high standards of Environmental Sustainability is core
to maintaining and enhancing Cumbria’s offer. It not only
underpins much of our visitor and rural economic aspirations,
it is part of the business environment, and an important factor
in why people invest, work and live in Cumbria.
Areas such as the Lake District National Park are a unique
selling point and part of Cumbria’s leading quality of life
offer. In addition, current and potential Cumbrian jobs are
linked to our natural capital. This ranges from our spectacular
landscapes and cultural heritage to our clean air and water.
However as demonstrated by the impact of major flooding,
resilience must be a foremost consideration. To fulfill this
potential we are working with partners including DfT, BIS, HCA,
DEFRA, Environment Agency and Cumbria Flood Partnership.
Our strategic environmental sustainability aims are
as follows:
Strategic Aims
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Develop programmes that ensure that we retain and grow the right skills
in Cumbria to maintain our landscape and natural capital, as well as
capitalise on the direct economic opportunities it provides.
Support jobs in environmental goods and services including the
development and diversification of our current food and farming sector
as well as the development of new low-carbon environmental goods and
services.
Support the development of our farming and food sector, together with
export markets for Cumbrian food.
Use our natural assets to generate new economic opportunities from
ecosystem services and renewable energy.
Manage our water, including through upland management and both
natural and hard defences to ensure we maintain availability and increase
flood protection to all key sectors and economic growth areas.
Realise the financial benefits of low carbon and resource efficient
approaches and provide further demand for emerging local businesses
with the relevant products and services.
Ensure our investment programme demonstrates best practice in terms of
sustainability.
Provide advice around low-carbon initiatives that can improve business
performance and efficiency in addition to enhancing the environmental
management approach throughout Cumbria.
DELIVERINGTHE
THEFOUR-PRONGED
FOUR-PRONGEDATTACK
ATTACK
16 16 DELIVERING
OUR STRATEGIC APPROACH
Business Support
Business support in Cumbria has a vital role to play in
enabling the county’s businesses to achieve their potential
and consequently to grow and create more jobs. In
particular we wish to put innovation to the forefront of LEP
activity and ensure Cumbria is a key driver of innovation in
the UK. To achieve this, we wish to achieve a co-ordinated
programme of support across all economic sectors.
Cumbria has already led the way through the development
of a Growth Hub funded by ERDF and the LEP Rural Growth
Network. More recently the LEP has procured a Growth
Hub service; thereby providing a single point of access for
all business support activity across the county in a manner
aligned to national products and services. The Growth
Hub will provide the umbrella for the delivery of a range of
business improvement and capability development services
and in so doing, help our businesses to maximise their
potential and foster a stronger culture of business start-up.
Building on our success we recognise the importance of
working with partners including BIS and UKTI.
Our strategic business support aims are as follows:
Strategic Aims
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Develop an enhanced supply chain management programme across a range of sectors to ensure that Cumbrian
businesses win more contracts and are supported to diversify and to grow both exports and re-shoring.
Support innovation and the development of new technology-based products and services in addition to
commercialisation support.
Support innovation by supporting access to finance to facilitate investment in intellectual property.
Ensuring that start-ups and SMEs can easily access support appropriate to their requirements which will support
entrepreneurship and innovation.
Articulate Cumbria inward investment offer to help more investors and businesses choose Cumbria as a location for
investment.
Promote the employment opportunities and attract and recruit talented people to drive forward the growth plans of our
major businesses.
Achieve recognition as a centre of excellence for innovation and commercialisation.
Support businesses to invest in activities to improve their productivity and to increase their export growth potential.
Top LEP for
concentration of
employment in
export intensive
sectors
DELIVERING THE FOUR-PRONGED ATTACK
17
Skills Development
The people of Cumbria are its most important resource. It
is vital that our businesses are able to draw upon a wellskilled and flexible local workforce as well as continuing to
encourage highly-skilled professionals to take advantage
of the exciting variety of employment and business that our
county offers.
Cumbria has the highest rates of apprenticeships in the
country and the Cumbria Skills Plan aims to grow the
potential of the workforce and respond to needs identified
through a comprehensive assessment of the current and
future labour market.
The LEP will continue to work with both the SFA to support
implementation of the skills plan the Skills and Emplyoment
Commission to support the area based review process.
Our strategic skills development aims are as follows:
Strategic Aims
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Ensure that all young people aged 16-19 in Cumbria are entitled to an appropriate range of post-compulsory education
choices.
Continue to develop a more detailed understanding of the evolving workforce needs including key sectors, enabling the
delivery of a tailored skills solution.
Further increase the number of apprenticeships in Cumbria by a further 20% and will accelerate high and degree
apprenticeship take up.
Address sector specific skills gaps and cross-sectional skills needs with the existing workforce, including addressing the
skills profile demand for skills at Level 4+.
The major infrastructure schemes will have a large skills demand this could impact the vibrant and growing SME sector
in Cumbria, skills support for the SME sector will be targeted.
Support employers to recruit from Cumbria’s cohort of unemployed and economically inactive residents including
support for redundancy and economic restructuring and those wishing to re-skill to gain employment.
Support adults in Cumbria who wish to up-skill at levels 2, 3 and 4, to improve their position in the labour market to
respond to replacement demand projections.
Support Economic demand for STEM related skills including skills demand created through innovation and
commercialisation.
11% of young
workforce are in
apprenticeships
- highest
proportion in UK
18 18 DELIVERING
DELIVERINGTHE
THEFOUR-PRONGED
FOUR-PRONGEDATTACK
ATTACK
5.A FOCUS ON DELIVERY
The Cumbria SEP identifies four priorities for the Cumbrian
economy:
•
Advanced manufacturing growth
•
Nuclear and energy excellence
•
Vibrant rural and visitor economy
•
Strategic connectivity of the M6 Corridor
These priorities can’t be treated in isolation or in a
limited geographical sense. Their benefits will spread
both spatially and amongst our businesses and skilled
workforces. This will foster greater interdependencies
that will both strengthen our areas of excellence and help
develop clusters that will ultimately enhance the role of
Cumbria in the national and global economy.
Supporting its priorities, the SEP has identified a range of
key schemes that are designed to maximise economic
impact. These are all consistent with the strategic
approach and will enhance the overall growth and
sustainability of Cumbria. Progress in delivering these is
being made, and over the next 5 years more will need to
be done.
Second highest
LEP for proportion
of people working
in skilled trades
occupations
DELIVERING THE FOUR-PRONGED ATTACK
19
25% of Cumbria’s
GVA comes from the
manufacturing
sector - highest
proportion in UK
1 Advanced Manufacturing Growth
Manufacturing is the largest sector of the Cumbrian economy (worth £2,358m or 25% of Cumbria’s GVA and accounting for 35,000
jobs). This sector is particularly strong in the Furness Peninsula and along the A590 corridor where established blue chip firms like BAE
Systems in Barrow-in-Furness and GSK in Ulverston are giving Cumbria the vote of confidence by bringing forward significant new
investments (the value of projected investments in Furness alone is £1,820m). The importance of this industry in terms of knowledge,
outputs and security is nationally significant.
While already enjoying a position of strength, the energy and nuclear engineering expertise in West Cumbria and the connectivity
and education offer along the M6 corridor, mean this sector has potential for further significant growth across throughout the county.
However for this to happen Cumbria needs to ensure its offer is right. In particular we need to ensure skills gaps can be addressed,
and the required finance, supply chain, sites and transport linkages are in place.
The SEP identifies 3 broad areas as a focus for intervention to support the ongoing growth and development of the manufacturing
economy:
1.1 Advanced Manufacturing Initiative
Cumbria is promoting a package of measures that seek to develop the skills of local workforces and supply chains to help both
major business and SMEs increase their productivity.
Our programmes are already playing a major role by intensively supporting firms to acquire and build capacity and capability
through the provision of specialist advice, training and networking. In doing so, they facilitate the growth and development of
supply chains, throughout the county and work will need to continue in order to maximise the growth potential of this sector.
What have we achieved:
•
•
•
Regional Growth Fund – Delivery of RGF grant programmes by LEP partners has helped to safeguard/create 227 jobs
and lever £13.125m of private sector investment, aligned with business support through the Growth Hub.
Kendal College Engineering facility, Advanced Manufacturing facility at the Furness College Campus and Advanced
Manufacturing Centre at Carlisle College – Investment of £3.2M in facilities is helping to provide the skills needed to
support the manufacturing industry and with that, encourage and support the growth and diversification of this sector.
STEM laboratories at the University of Cumbria. – This provides a critical local resource that will be capable of
supporting the local economy boost higher level skills to support growth and innovation.
What we will now do:
•
•
•
Growing our Potential – This scheme will build on the RGF programmes to support manufacturing growth through
provision of grants and loans to unlock private sector investments and drive up productivity. The continuation of this
programme will play an important role in supporting supply chain diversification and export growth.
Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Programme – Utilise EU funding to deliver a supply chain programme
designed to maximise the potential and opportunity to align the needs of our SME’s with sectors of growth within the
County. In so doing it will also support investment and innovation.
Skills Capital Programme – Comprising a skills capital fund to align with revenue based activity; this would be used to
support the delivery of the outcomes identified as part of the Area Based Review.
2020DELIVERING
DELIVERINGTHE
THEFOUR-PRONGED
FOUR-PRONGEDATTACK
ATTACK
A FOCUS ON DELIVERY
1.2 Growth in Ulverston
Bridging the M6 and Barrow is Ulverston. This town is home to major global brands like GSK and Siemens and moving
forward it is intended to continue growing and developing the town. Nevertheless, the town also faces areas of highway and
flood constraints.
While funding has now been secured to address many of the highway and flooding challenges in the town, there will be an
ongoing need to identify and deliver improvements, both in Ulverston and along the A590 corridor.
What have we achieved:
•
•
•
Private Sector Investment – Planning permission for a new £350m GSK Bio-pharm facility was secured in 2015 and
with the confidence in supporting infrastructure being improved by the LEP, delivery is well under way.
Unlocked employment and housing land – Junction improvements are being delivered to support delivery of
investment at GSK, Lightborne Road and South Ulverson. These are critical in supporting new investment in the town,
including GSK’s investment.
Flood Alleviation – £5m of Growth Deal funding has been secured to deliver strategic flood defence improvements to
support future growth of Ulverston and ensure the future resilience and sustainability of the town.
What we will now do:
•
•
Strategic improvements to A590 – Work with Highways England to deliver further improvements to the A590 corridor.
This is a priority within the Cumbria Infrastructure Plan and will address capacity constraints on the network to improve
journey reliability between Barrow and M6 and in so doing support further investments.
Housing Delivery – Work with the HCA to accelerate delivery of 1,200 new homes on Local Plan allocated sites within
Ulverston.
DELIVERING THE FOUR-PRONGED ATTACK
21
1.3 Barrow Waterfront
Barrow is an advanced manufacturing success story, home to firms like BAE and Kimberly Clark to build upon established
businesses and workforces, the delivery of new investments at Barrow Waterfront will be essential. Proposals here contain
two related elements – the Waterfront Business Park which will provide “ready to go” employment land adjacent to the
commercial Port of Barrow. The Marina Village will deliver high-quality housing and amenities that will complement both
Barrow town centre and the business park. Delivering these schemes would support the town’s existing strengths in the field
of engineering maximising supply chain opportunities and the ability to utilise investment all enhancing wider economic vitality
and attractiveness.
Development in Barrow can face viability challenges and there will need to be continuing work to ensure both these schemes
can be brought forward to align with the opportunities being created by the BAE Successor investment programme, the
delivery of a major extension to Walney Windfarm and the North West Coast Connections project with its proposals to create a
tunnel beneath Morcambe Bay. To maximise this potential we consider it critical to enhance the accessibility of Barrow while
also enabling delivery of critical sites.
What have we achieved:
•
•
Private investment in Waterfront Business Park – Delivery of BAE’s £370m investment programme is underway with
a new 28,000 sq m. logistics facility completed. Framed by this investment £7.2m is currently being invested to create
serviced development plots to underpin additional private sector investment.
Infrastructure to support Marina Village – Funding is being used to support delivery of essential site access which will
facilitate housing development.
What we will now do:
•
•
Marina Village – Work with HCA to accelerate delivery of 600 new homes. This would anchor the future housing and
leisure offer in the town and enhance investment opportunities.
Barrow Port – Maximise opportunities for the port to
support Cumbria’s economy and the major
investments from National Grid, Walney off-shore
wind farm and BAE’s Successor Programme.
DELIVERINGTHE
THEFOUR-PRONGED
FOUR-PRONGEDATTACK
ATTACK
2222DELIVERING
A FOCUS ON DELIVERY
Nuclear and Energy Excellence
West Cumbria is home to one of the most diverse and experienced centres of nuclear expertise in the world forming a bedrock
for the UK energy and nuclear sectors which is a driver for innovation and exports. The proposed delivery of a new nuclear
power station at Moorside and associated transmission infrastructure now presents an opportunity to build on this status.
However the energy expertise enjoyed by Cumbria is not just limited to nuclear power. Cumbria is a leader in the generation
of renewable energy with significant on and off shore wind farms. Moreover the potential to deliver a cutting edge energy
generating tidal lagoon off the Solway coast is being investigated.
The public sector will have an important role in helping to plan and deliver the infrastructure, skills and employment land that
will need to combine to create an environment whereby Cumbria can continue to develop its role as a national centre for
nuclear and energy excellence.
2.1 Centre of Nuclear Excellence
Proposals for a new nuclear power plant at Moorside present an opportunity to deliver lasting legacy benefits centred on highvalue jobs and supply chains. Using this as a springboard, there is an opportunity to sell and export the UK’s unique skills and
expertise in the fields of research, development and innovation in advanced fuel development, decommissioning including
robotic decommissioning , spent fuel management and integrated waste management to the extensive and growing
worldwide markets for nuclear new build, clean up and decommissioning.
Building on the strengths of the nuclear sector, there will be clear opportunities to cross fertilise the skills and expertise of our
nuclear and energy development with other industry in the county.
What have we achieved:
•
•
Innovus programme – This has delivered £1.8M investment into R&D and helped to support business innovation
geared towards the energy sector. This has seen 59 projects supported with grants while commercialisation of new
ideas is forecast to create 407 jobs.
Energy Coast Campus – BIS has awarded £7.5m to invest in a new nuclear college at Lillyhall. This will build upon the
established hub of educational facilities at Energus and West Lakes College.
What we will now do:
•
•
Nuclear Technology Innovation Gateway – This will provide a physical link between the University of Manchester’s
Dalton Nuclear Institute and the National Nuclear Laboratory. It will house world-class research facilities, test bed
facilities and technology demonstrators; enhancing Cumbria’s role a global leader in the energy sector.
Nuclear Related Skills Development – Building on the gaps and opportunity identified within the Cumbria Skill Plan
to ensure there are appropriate training facilities. This will support local workers to access the new employment
opportunities as well as ensure there is a skilled workforce to respond to employer needs.
DELIVERING THE FOUR-PRONGED ATTACK
23
2.2 Low Carbon Cumbria
Looking to ensure the benefits of Cumbria’s expertise can be spread throughout the county, the Low Carbon Cumbria
programme seeks to improve the competitiveness of Cumbria’s businesses by giving resource and energy efficiency advice
that can capitalise on the growing environmental goods and services sector.
Cumbria is already home to the DONG Energy Walney Wind Farm and there is considerable potential to derive further
economic benefit from off shore wind energy production. These schemes have considerable investment value (the expansion
of the Walney wind proposals are estimated to be £1.3bn) and can support high-skill supply chains linked to the servicing and
maintenance of facilities.
What have we achieved:
•
Cumbria Business Environment Network (CBEN) – This programme has delivered free environmental support to
businesses, supporting their operation but also the establishment of specialist expertise within the County.
What we will now do:
•
Low Carbon Energy – Continue to support appropriate renewable energy proposals. We will also utilise £10m ESIF
funding to support Low Carbon Growth. This can support energy efficiency improvements, energy retrofit and could
support to microgeneration schemes and further enhance our energy industry and low carbon credentials.
2.3 Infrastructure, Connectivity and Employment Sites
Infrastructure to provide sustainable and resilient connections between employers and their supply chain, markets and
workforces is fundamental to maximising and spreading the economic potential of energy development.
Energy schemes often require the transport of significant amounts of goods or material, or in the case of offshore facilities, the
ability to access port facilities for installation and maintenance. In this context, the Port of Workington is a key strategic asset for
Cumbria, providing multi-modal import and export facilities, making it strongly placed to support and exploit unprecedented
levels of investment in industry in West Cumbria.
Investment in highway improvements and to address
pinch points on key routes including the A595, A590 and
A66 together with rail services and facilities, particularly the
Cumbrian Coastal Railway, will help improve access to key
employment and investment sites enabling delivery of major
investments, but also strengthen linkages between the east
and west of the County. In addition to this, a range of housing
sites and necessary supporting infrastructure, will need to
be identified and delivered to ensure the balanced and
sustainable development of West Cumbria.
DELIVERINGTHE
THEFOUR-PRONGED
FOUR-PRONGEDATTACK
ATTACK
2424 DELIVERING
The proposed off
shore wind farm at
Walney will be the
largest off shore
scheme in the world
A FOCUS ON DELIVERY
What have we achieved:
•
•
•
Station Hubs – Using “Devolved Majors” LGF funding £5m is been invested in station ‘hubs’ at Maryport and
Workington. These will support the movement of workers across west Cumbria and will support the rail led strategy for
major new investments within the County.
Improved facilities at Port of Workington – £4m investment including £2m of LGF to create a new road over rail
bridge which will secure the resilience of access to the Port and adjacent development land.
Delivering improved social facilities – A new secondary school in Workington, improvements at Whitehaven hospital,
a new leisure centre in Workington and the University Technology College at Lillyhall are all recent investments. These
will enhance the social fabric of west Cumbria and help the local population take full advantage of future opportunities.
What we will now do:
•
•
•
•
•
Deliver improvements to Coastal Railway – Reflected in the Cumbria Infrastructure Plan, improvements to the railway
are mission critical to delivery of nationally significant infrastructure projects. We will therefore secure developer and
Government investment in rail infrastructure, including associated flood resilience measures, working with Network Rail
to deliver critical improvements.
Secure investment in employment sites - Work with nuclear partners
and major business to encourage investment on priority
employment sites including Lillyhall, Whitehaven Commercial
Park, Leconfield and West Lakes Science Park. This will directly
support the energy sector, but also maximise opportunities for
supply chain businesses.
Port of Workington and access to Northern Workington –
Consistent with the Cumbria Infrastructure Plan we will deliver
rail improvements to ensure the port is able to support nuclear
new build and other major energy sector development while
also opening up employment land that can exploit opportunities
associated with port investment and the energy sector.
Deliver housing and town centre regeneration – We will attract
investment in and around Whitehaven to maximise regeneration
and investment opportunities from the nuclear new build.
Engagement of MCA will be important in driving forward housing
delivery.
Deliver improvements to the A595 Corridor – In line with the
Cumbria Infrastructure Plan we will work to deliver a comprehensive
range of improvements to the A595 Corridor including Whitehaven
Eastern Relief Road. This will ensure its future capability and resilience
to support substantial private sector activity.
DELIVERING THE FOUR-PRONGED ATTACK
25
Vibrant Rural and Visitor Economy
Our sustainable travel
improvements for
visitors to the Lakes has
already helped cut car
journeys by 14%, while
increasing visitor spend
by 7%
Cumbria’s modern, diverse and dynamic rural economy is leading the way in showing how rurality is a building block
and opportunity rather than a constraint. The unique rural character of Cumbria has helped it become a leading tourism
destination drawing upon internationally recognised destinations of the Lake District National Park, part of the Yorkshire Dales
National Park and the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site. Furthermore, the English Lake District is the UK’s nominated site for
World Heritage Site inscription in 2017.
Cumbria is one of the UK’s most popular destinations, with 41.5 million visitors in 2014 generating £2.4bn for Cumbria’s
economy while supporting 34,000 FTE jobs. While an essential industry in its own right, the positive perception of Cumbria as a
destination is a core part of our wider offer which generates a positive image for seeking to invest or locate to the county while
also providing an accessible recreation and leisure resource for the more densely populated Northern Powerhouse.
The visitor economy is just one strand of a diverse rural economy with businesses of all sizes from micro to multinationals
operating across the range of sectors from digital to land-based and food & drink to specialist manufacturing. Well-established
businesses sit alongside vibrant start-up activity, with family businesses a key feature of the business community.
3.1 World-Class Visitor Destination
A number of key interventions have been identified to fully realise Cumbria’s potential as a World-Class Visitor Destination.
These will raise the profile of the county, and also improve visitor access and enjoyment. These are essential in delivering
ongoing investment and growth of this key sector.
What have we achieved:
•
•
•
Delivering sustainable travel improvements – Through the See More programme £4.7m invested in the promotion
and delivery of a range of initiatives to increase the use of sustainable transport. This is complemented by the £2m
investment in the Optimising Connectivity programme to increase the range of sustainable transport options available
in the Lake District.
Marketing and promotion – Cumbria Tourism continues to engage with Visit England and Visit Britain to ensure
Cumbria is be marketed in national campaigns. Following the 2015 floods we have worked with local partners to
deliver positive marketing activity in order to support recovery efforts including supporting a range of local events. We
also hosted the Tour of Britain with a 1.5m TV audience and £2.2m of media exposure.
Deliver Passenger Services from Carlisle Airport – LEP and DfT grants have been awarded to support the delivery of
passenger services from Carlisle Airport. These will provide global connectivity to Cumbria, supporting investments,
exports and the further sustainable growth of the county as a destination for international visitors.
2626 DELIVERING
DELIVERINGTHE
THEFOUR-PRONGED
FOUR-PRONGEDATTACK
ATTACK
A FOCUS ON DELIVERY
What we will now do:
•
•
•
•
Achieve World Heritage Site at Lake District National Park – This status will significantly enhance international profile
and attractiveness of Cumbria, supporting the continued growth of a sustainable visitor economy within the county.
Tourism Growth Plan – Implement a programme of activity to support the sustainable growth of the tourism sector with
a particular focus on improving the range and quality of visitor attractions in order to boost international visitor numbers
thereby increasing the economic contribution of the sector to the UK economy.
Hospitality Skills – In line with the skills plan we will support investment in hospitality training, including a potential hotel
school, to help attract and recruit talent into the sector and support the growth potential of the visitor economy.
Improved Visitor Access – We will continue to deliver innovative sustainable travel options between and within visitor
destinations and key passenger interchanges. Flexible travel options will be a key element of our visitor offer.
3.2 Rural Growth Network and Growth Hubs
Cumbria’s rural economy is home to a variety of businesses with a high degree of diversification. To build on this there has
been a recognised need for more business support and workspaces to support new and existing businesses.
Our focus is on delivering new and improved employment sites and managed workspaces, delivering affordable housing
and rolling out comprehensive superfast broadband and 4G mobile coverage. Delivering improved telecommunications will
support innovation and help business across the County better connect and access global markets.
What have we achieved:
•
•
•
Superfast broadband – Using £3.6m of Growth Deal and £2.8bn of BDUK investment, the Connecting Cumbria
programme (phase 2) will achieve 97% broadband coverage. This supports the opportunity for rural business growth
and diversification.
Rural Growth Network – This £3.5m programme has provided new and improved rural employment sites and
managed workspace alongside a wider network of hubs. In the region of 480 businesses and 900 jobs have been
supported; drawing in £2.282m of leverage and multiplier spend of £24m, with 7,000 businesses engaging in
networking activity.
Supported SME Businesses – Through the Growth Hub we have delivered a co-ordinated and multi-layered
programme of support for SME businesses. The Growth Hub has been particularly effective in engaging with
businesses affected by the floods and has overseen the delivery of business recovery grants to over 650 businesses. All
this supports diversification, resilience and growth while maximising opportunity around new and growing sectors.
What we will now do:
•
•
Support for Growth Hubs – BIS revenue funding will continue to be invested in the Growth Hub to ensure on-going
co-ordination of business support. This will be completed by use EAFRD and ERDF to deliver a co-ordinated and multilayered programme of support for businesses.
Digital Connectivity – We will work to ensure delivery of mobile phone coverage across the County together with
delivery of broadband solutions for our rural communities. This will support the opportunity for rural business growth
and diversification. This also supports the visitor economy with visitors expecting to have good connectivity when away
from home.
DELIVERING THE FOUR-PRONGED ATTACK
27
3.3 Environmental Infrastructure
While business support and infrastructure improvements would help support existing strengths around tourism and rural
industry, our quality environment and natural capital is an important asset in itself. This drives elements of our economy and
creates an important part of our offer.
Recognising this role, it will be important for Cumbria’s Environmental Infrastructure to be utilised, managed and protected in a
sustainable way. Set alongside these we need to ensure that Cumbria has the flood resilience needed to withstand the effects
of climate change on homes, businesses and with that, future inward investment decisions.
What have we achieved:
•
•
Flood Recovery – There has been substantial efforts by all Cumbrian partners to help repair the infrastructure
damaged by Storm Desmond. This has included the high profile repairs to the A591 and the replacement of Pooley
Bridge.
Facilities at Newton Rigg College - Investments in farm facilities including the establishment of a new dairy farm which
has led to an increase in student numbers in agri-related courses. These have been further complemented by LEP
investment in a new sheep husbandry facility and an overhead linesman training academy.
What we will now do:
•
•
Business Flood Resilience Programme – A new programme is required to complement the work being undertaken
by the Environment Agency to strengthen flood defences but also to ensure additional resilience measures are
implemented specifically targeted at safeguarding of jobs, restoring business investment confidence and improving
infrastructure resilience to avoid disruption to business continuity following the effects of flood events.
Growth in Agri Food sector - Support growth of businesses in the agri-food sector with a focus on boosting
productivity, innovation and apprenticeships. In addition, there are opportunities for investment in dairy facilities to
bolster the sustainability of the farming industry. These can build on the quality of environment in Cumbria and drive
employment opportunities across rural communities.
2828 DELIVERING
DELIVERINGTHE
THEFOUR-PRONGED
FOUR-PRONGEDATTACK
ATTACK
A FOCUS ON DELIVERY
Strategic Connectivity of the M6 Corridor
The M6 corridor is a key artery for the county with its road and rail links connecting Cumbria with the rest of the UK. This
connectivity is of strategic importance for Cumbria as the primary route into Cumbria, but also in joining up the county and
thereby supporting the growth and diversification of business.
This connectivity supports a diverse economy with particular strengths in the logistics, manufacturing, digital and services
sectors. This diversity, in combination with vibrant city and town centres, gives considerable potential for growth. A challenge
will be to now realise this potential with housing and employment opportunities, attractive town centre offers and enabling
infrastructure all critical. In particular Carlisle has significant plans for housing growth with up to 10,000 homes being proposed
to the south of the City.
4.1 Employment Sites
Allowing businesses to maximise the opportunities presented by the M6 Corridor will rely upon the availability of a healthy
mix of employment sites. The portfolio of sites along this route will need to continue improving at the key locations of Carlisle,
Penrith and Kendal.
Improving this portfolio will be crucial to the operation of these settlements, but also the ability of Cumbria to respond to new
investment opportunities and the ongoing growth of the advanced manufacturing and energy sectors and supply chains,
including logistics.
What have we achieved:
•
•
•
Kingmoor Park Enterprise Zone – Kingmoor Park is now established as an Enterprise Zone offering an attractive and
competitive proposition to potential major investors at an accessible and prominent location.
Employment Sites In Penrith – Using Local Pinch Points Funding and the Cumbria Infrastructure Fund, we have
delivered highway improvements that have helped to unlock private investment of £1.9m AST Signs and £4.4m Greggs
at Gilwilly Industrial Estate.
Durranhill, Carlisle – Investment of £2m LGF at Durranhill has helped open up the site for the private sector and has
supported investment by the Two Sisters Food Group.
What we will now do:
•
Deliver strategic employment land – Consistent with the Cumbria Infrastructure Plan we will support delivery
of strategic employment land identified in Local Plans at Gilwilly at Penrith, Scroggs Wood in Kendal, Mainline at
Milnthorpe, the commercialisation at MOD Longtown together with the active promotion of the Enterprise Zone at
Kingmoor Park..
DELIVERING THE FOUR-PRONGED ATTACK
29
4.2 Housing delivery
It needs to be recognised that the availability of employment land will not in itself trigger economic growth. It needs to be wrapped
up as part of a wider offer which includes services, infrastructure and housing. The Cumbria SEP recognises the relationship
between housing and sustainable economic growth across the county. Carlisle is the largest settlement in Cumbria and has real
potential for large scale growth. Reflecting this, major expansion has been allocated to the south of the City.
Yet for growth to occur, assessments have shown how there will be a need to ensure there is sufficient infrastructure available.
The ability for people and goods to move freely through and across town centres is especially important.
What have we achieved:
•
•
•
•
Housing Growth – We have delivered significant levels of new homes across Cumbria with 930 completions in
2013/14 rising to 1300 in 2015/16. This demonstrates increased local confidence and potential for further growth.
Planning Growth in Carlisle – The Carlisle Local Plan, which plans an ambitious uplift in housing, has been completed.
Using a funding award from the HCA, work is now ongoing to masterplan a significant urban extension to the south of
Carlisle.
Kendal Infrastructure Improvements – Using £2.3m of LGF, a series of junction improvements, critical to supporting the
delivery of the Local Plan are being implemented.
Unlocking Housing Development – Utilising the Cumbria Infrastructure Fund, the LEP has overcome a number of site
specific constraints, directly support the delivery of 116 homes at Penrith and Kendal.
What we will now do:
•
•
Masterplanning of Carlisle South – We will work with the HCA to develop proposals for the strategic growth of Carlisle.
In line with the Cumbria Infrastructure Plan, the major urban extension will require significant new infrastructure. Integral
to this process will be a new link road connection from Junction 42 of the M6 to the A595.
Housing Growth – We will work with the HCA and seek to secure the investment, including developer contributions,
needed to drive forward the delivery of new homes.
4.3 Cultural, Education and Leisure
There is a strong correlation between successful economies and the availability of a rich Cultural, Education and Leisure offer.
In this respect, improving the offer of our towns and city will be crucial. Carlisle, in particular, has a strategic role to play as a City
serving a hinterland that extends well beyond administrative boundaries.
Carlisle Railway Station on the West Coast Mainline and with the potential for HS2 connectivity, is a key gateway to Cumbria
and the internationally significant energy and manufacturing clusters located within the County. More than that, the station
anchors the southern extent of the City Centre where it is a key driver of economic activity. Building on this potential significant
investment in Carlisle city centre is required to change perceptions and to help drive forward wider and ambitious plans for
longer term growth.
DELIVERINGTHE
THEFOUR-PRONGED
FOUR-PRONGEDATTACK
ATTACK
3030DELIVERING
A FOCUS ON DELIVERY
What have we achieved:
•
Clear vision for Carlisle City Centre – A comprehensive City Centre Development Framework through which the scale
of opportunity within central Carlisle has been prepared. This recognised the importance of Carlisle’s heritage assets
and the role of the station and the opportunities associated with being a University City.
What we will now do:
•
•
•
Carlisle Citadel and Station Regeneration – Deliver a comprehensive transformation of Carlisle station to provide
better access, passenger facilities, freight capacity and HS2 readiness. This would anchor a wider regeneration area
incorporating the old Courts / Citadel complex and other brownfield land to create a revitalised southern gateway to the
City. This can deliver a mix of uses boosting the local economy by £40m per annum, and increase investor confidence.
Carlisle University City – Support the further development of colleges and the University of Cumbria to provide
important skills needed to grow the Cumbria economy while helping to position Carlisle as a University City.
Investment in Penrith and Kendal – Bring forward opportunities to bolster the cultural and leisure offer of Kendal and
Penrith.
DELIVERING THE FOUR-PRONGED ATTACK
31
6. OUR GROWTH DEAL
INVESTMENT PROGRAMME
Current Growth Deal
To date, Cumbria has secured £47.7m of Growth Deal funding from rounds 1 and 2. This is delivering a range of projects that will
create 3,000 direct and indirect jobs with potential to generate £60m of public and private sector investment. While a significant
return in its own right, the benefits of these projects are far wider with many of them supporting wider economic growth by
developing supply chain opportunities, increasing the skills and training of our workforce, providing support for the growth and
establishing of new businesses and supporting housing delivery.
Set out below is the profile of spend for the current programme as approved by the LEP Board in May 2016.
Ref
1.1
Project Title
Barrow Advanced
Manufacturing Centre
1.1
Advanced Manufacturing
Centre, Carlisle
1.1
1.1
Growing Our Potential
Cumbria Skills and Capital
Programme
1.2
South Ulverston
Infrastructure Improvements
1.2
Ulverston Infrastructure
Programme - Flooding
Funding Amount
Approved
2015/2016
Spent
2016/2017
2017/2018
2018/2019
2019/2020
2020/2021
1,126,000
1,126,000
-
-
-
-
-
900,000
-
900,000
-
-
-
-
506,000
-
-
-
-
-
506,000
2,000,000
1,216,000
784,000
-
-
-
-
4,500,000
449,257
3,050,743
1,000,000
-
-
-
5,000,000
-
-
-
-
2,500,000
2,500,000
1.3
Barrow Waterfront
7,178,470
1,462,993
2,537,007
3,178,470
-
-
-
2.3
Infrastructure Funding Devolved Majors
7,800,000
931,774
6,068,226
800,000
-
-
-
2.3
Port of Workington- Road
Access
2,000,000
-
2,000,000
-
-
-
-
3.1
Optimising Connectivity
2,000,000
309,979
1,690,021
-
-
-
-
3.1
Carlisle Airport
4,750,000
-
1,000,000
3,750,000
-
-
-
3.2
Connecting Cumbria
3,600,000
-
186,000
3,066,000
348,000
-
-
3.3
Business Flood Recovery
Grants
2,000,000
208,140
1,791,860
-
-
-
-
4.1
Durranhill Access
Improvements
2,000,000
2,000,000
-
-
-
-
-
4.2
Kendal Transport
Infrastructure
2,300,000
364,249
550,751
-
1,385,000
-
-
Total
47,660,470
8,068,392
20,558,608
11,794,470
1,733,000
2,500,000
3,006,000
3232 DELIVERING
DELIVERINGTHE
THEFOUR-PRONGED
FOUR-PRONGEDATTACK
ATTACK
Growth Deal 3
The funding we secured is already having a significant impact, but we also recognise the importance of building upon our success.
Guided by the strategic aims and subsequent investment priorities Cumbria has developed a transformative new pipeline of
proposals that can be delivered by Growth Deal. These investments are compatible with the strategy expressed with this document
and will enable Cumbria to maximise its contribution to the UK economy in terms of GVA, jobs and innovation, but moreover support
deliveryof nationally significant investment in the county.
In total these schemes will support 5,582 jobs and help lever £387,951,787 of additional investment. We consider Growth Deal to be
a critical element in the mosaic of funding needed to underpin the future sustainable development of our economy.
Set out below are the priority projects for Growth Deal 3.
Ref
1.1
Project Title
Funding Amount
2017/2018
2018/2019
2019/2020
2020/2021
Cumbria Skills and Capital Programme Phase 2
20,000,000
1,500,000
6,000,000
6,500,000
6,000,000
1.1
Growing our Potential Phase 2
20,000,000
500,000
4,500,000
9,500,000
5,500,000
1.2
Cross-a-Moor Access Improvements
2,440,000
310,000
710,000
710,000
710,000
2.1
Nuclear Technology & Innovation Gateway (NTIG)
15,000,000
2,000,000
6,000,000
7,000,000
-
2.3
Lillyhall North
8,500,000
1,500,000
3,500,000
3,500,000
-
2.3
Whitehaven Town Centre
11,235,456
2,941,436
4,294,020
4,000,000
-
2.3
Workington North Gateway Project
10,835,000
700,000
3,135,000
7,000,000
-
3.1
Optimising Connectivity Phase 2
5,000,000
290,000
1,710,000
1,500,000
-
3.1
Tourism Growth Programme
10,000,000
500,000
3,000,000
3,500,000
3,000,000
3.3
Flood Resilience Programme
25,000,000
500,000
7,000,000
7,500,000
10,000,000
3.3
Agri Sector Programme
15,400,000
1,250,000
5,250,000
5,250,000
3,650,000
4.3
Carlisle Citadel Station Gateway Development
13,760,000
520,000
5,840,000
3,880,000
3,520,000
4.3
The Citadels redevelopment
7,965,347
1,506,995
2,025,750
1,688,162
2,744,440
165,135,803
14,018,431
52,964,770
61,528,162
36,624,440
Total
Large Transport Majors
Aligned to Growth Deal 3 are two proposals for DfT support to enable two transport schemes to be brought forward. These are:
•
•
Enhancements to the Cumbrian Coastal Railway
Delivery of Whitehaven Eastern Relief Road.
Building upon this we are pro-actively engaging DfT, Network Rail, Highways England and TfN to clearly represent the pan northern
benefits investment in Cumbria’s infrastructure can deliver.
DELIVERING THE FOUR-PRONGED ATTACK
33
34 DELIVERING THE FOUR-PRONGED ATTACK
www.cumbrialep.co.uk