Cumbria in £2bn Energy Coast plan
Feb 19 2009 by Graeme King, The Journal
BUSINESS secretary Lord Mandelson will be the star speaker at a summit to debate the economic future of Cumbria tomorrow.
He will address 250 delegates at Sellafield Visitor Centre.
The Cumbria Economic Summit 2009 is being hosted by development agency Cumbria Vision and the North West Regional Development Agency.
The conference aims to showcase economic progress over the past 12 months and highlight the agencies’ plans to make Cumbria one of the fastest growing economies in the UK.
One of the issues to discuss is Cumbria Vision establishing four “vision boards” for four sub-regions of the county, aimed at ensuring regeneration plans are delivered efficiently.
Projects on the agenda include Cumbria’s £2bn investment in “Britain’s Energy Coast” where the county aims to become a centre of excellence not only for nuclear power but renewable technologies too.
Another scheme is to develop Carlisle Airport into a stronger hub to provide links elsewhere in the country and to bring tourists in.
Cumbria Vision is also keen to promote The Waterfront in Barrow in Furness, a scheme to build a business park and a marina village of homes.
Another scheme is K Village in Kendal, developed into a mixed use development based around a shopping outlet centre. Restaurants, bars and apartments are planned for the £100m scheme.
Lord Mandelson will be joined by local, regional and national speakers who will address six industry priorities. These are energy and the low carbon economy; tourism; education, skills and research; business support; infrastructure as a platform for business growth; and innovative stewardship of the rural economy.
Chair of Cumbria Vision Roger Liddle will address delegates on the opportunities and challenges that face the county’s economy.
He said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Lord Mandelson at this very difficult time for the economy nationally and locally. We want him to hear the views of Cumbria’s businesses and understand how the county’s regeneration effort can not only benefit our businesses and communities, but also the wider UK economy.
Regional development agency chairman Bryan Gray said: “The significant changes in economic conditions will mean Cumbria faces new challenges.
“However, these challenges also present opportunities, and with unique strengths in the nuclear sector and environmental sciences, it is clear that Cumbria is in a strong position to continue to succeed in the global market. The vision for 2009 must be to work together to identify priorities and continue the investment that has supported Cumbria’s regeneration and growth in the past.”
