Tens of thousands of new homes and other vital infrastructure projects were given the green light with nearly £1.3 billion of investment confirmed today (4 August 2020) by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.
The move is part of the government’s comprehensive plan to deliver upgrades to local infrastructure and boost skills to help fuel a green economic recovery.
Over 300 successful projects in England are being told they will receive a share of the £900 million Getting Building Fund, which was announced by the Prime Minister in June, to invest in shovel-ready housing and infrastructure projects, creating jobs and supporting economic recovery across the country.
As part of that announcement, £44.4million was awarded for projects within the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire.
The investment is expected to deliver up to 45,000 homes, create up to 85,000 jobs and reduce around 65 million kgs of CO2 emissions across England.
Getting Building Fund
In D2N2, the funded projects are expected to deliver wide-ranging support and diversification of the local economy and will assist nationally important industries including manufacturing and aerospace.
Amongst the portfolio of funded projects, there is also a strong focus on research and development in modern construction techniques, food manufacturing, electrification of flight and low-carbon technologies.
There is a key focus on job opportunities, including in the health sector where there is strong demand. Sustainability runs through the programme along with encouraging diversification of the town and city offer; unlocking housing and associated infrastructure to support them as thriving centres.
Projects receiving funding within D2N2 include:
- A spine road to unlock further phases of development at Berry Hill in Mansfield and includes community facilities
- A centre of excellence for modern construction techniques and digital technology in Chesterfield
- The new Bridge Court Health Education campus in Worksop which will provide further education opportunities in the health and digital sectors
- The UK Electrification of Aerospace Propulsion Facility at the University of Nottingham
- A Digital Turbine Centre in Worksop which will establish 5G Hub and act as a catalyst for skills and innovation development
- The Manufacturing Research Centre based on Infinity Park in Derby
- Key infrastructure developments designed to unlock the development of the former Drakelow power station in South Derbyshire
- Smartparc, a food innovation park built on a 140-acre brownfield site near Derby
- The renovation and repurposing of municipal buildings in Glossop, turning them into incubation units for business start-ups
- Further investment into the Southside project in Nottingham to remove blight through the demolition of a derelict shopping centre.
All project funding is subject to the delivery of a full business case which will be considered by the D2N2 Investment and main Boards.
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Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government Simon Clarke MP said: “We want to build back better to fuel a green economic recovery across the country by investing in infrastructure, creating jobs and building the homes people need.”
“That is why, we are investing £900 million in shovel-ready projects through our Getting Building Fund, including £44.4m in the D2N2 area.”
“This funding will unlock homes, create new jobs and deliver investment in commercial and green spaces and a much-needed boost to the local economy.”
David Williams, Interim chair of D2N2 said: “We very much welcome the announcement by the government. This will provide a major stimulus for our communities across the region.
“We believe the size of the allocation demonstrates a belief in what the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership can deliver and a testament to the collaborative working between the LEP and its partners.”
“As we reshape our Local Industrial Strategy to reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic it’s essential we remain flexible to support our communities, that we adapt to new opportunities, and build an economy that it is more resilient in the long term.”
“We will continue to work with the government on future funding for investments to support our ambitions for the region.”
