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The UK Government\u2019s Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick, said: \u201cThe Borderlands Growth Deal will a new era of regeneration and opportunity as we build back better from the pandemic.<\/p>\nA \u00a3452m deal to unlock the economic potential of the Borderlands area has been formally signed by the UK and Scottish governments and local authority partners.<\/p>\n
Ministers of the two governments and representatives of the five councils of the Borderlands Partnership signed the transformative Inclusive Growth Deal at a virtual ceremony.<\/p>\n
The deal will reach all parts of the Borderlands area – sitting either side of the English\/Scottish border – drive inclusive growth and deliver significant and lasting benefits for individuals, businesses and communities.<\/p>\n
Investment covers the largest geographical area of any regional growth deal and is the first cross-border deal.<\/p>\n
Partners say it will bring a transformative step change for the businesses and communities of the Borderlands by increasing productivity, growing the working age population, and delivering a more inclusive economy.<\/p>\n
The projects of the deal aim to deliver up to 5,500 jobs and \u00a31.1billion of additional GVA with a sustainable and inclusive approach to growth.<\/p>\n
The Borderlands Partnership is made up of Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council and Scottish Borders Council.<\/p>\n
The UK Government\u2019s Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick, said: \u201cThe Borderlands Growth Deal will a new era of regeneration and opportunity as we build back better from the pandemic.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Ad Gefrin Visitor Experience and Distillery, and the Carlisle Station regeneration project are just two examples of schemes already benefitting from the deal which will create jobs and improve regional connectivity. We\u2019re levelling up across the UK by investing in jobs, driving economic growth, and strengthening our cross-border links.\u201d<\/p>\n
Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson, said: \u201cProjects the Scottish Government is supporting through the deal will focus on reinvigorating town centres, expanding business sites and premises to stimulate business growth and job creation, maximising the region\u2019s appeal as a leading outdoor and adventure tourism destination and equipping people with the skills they need to forge successful careers and contribute to their communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe deal is focused on local people and local priorities, enabling the Borderlands area to create sustainable jobs, re-invigorate the economy, and build strategically for long term growth and prosperity.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cllr John Mallinson, Leader of Carlisle City Council and Borderlands Partnership Board Co-Chair, said: \u201cIt\u2019s fantastic to announce the signing of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal bringing fresh investment from Government of up to \u00a3350million to our region, alongside local contributions of over \u00a3100million.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe deal is an ambitious approach to cross-border working between Governments, local authorities and other partners which will boost economic growth by helping existing business, encouraging new ventures and bringing a wealth of improvements to our region.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe deal will also provide crucial support to our region\u2019s recovery from the Covid-19 emergency and ensure we set in place strong foundations on which to build back better and greener, delivering inclusive and sustainable growth.\u201d<\/p>\n