£452m Scottish borders growth deal signed

Ministers from the UK and Scottish governments have signed a £452m growth deal for the Borderlands region.

The deal itself aims to deliver up to 5,500 jobs and £1.1billion of additional GVA with a sustainable and inclusive approach to growth to the areas around the Scotland/England border.

It comes after the two governments also signed a £335m growth deal with the leaders of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Orkney Islands Council, and Shetland Islands Council.

The Borderlands Partnership is made up of Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council and Scottish Borders Council.

The deal includes £20m for an exciting redevelopment of Carlisle Station (pictured) and the surrounding area, to act as a gateway to the region.

It will also support the delivery of a new Berwick Theatre while the skills and innovation work will include the development of a Mountain Biking Innovation Centre in the Scottish Borders.

In addition, funding will support the development of Chapelcross in Dumfries and Galloway, as the region’s clean growth strategic investment site for low carbon energy generation and energy efficient businesses.

And it will deliver an investment of up to £31m in green energy projects and £7m to develop skills needed by the regional economy, along with much needed improvements in digital and mobile connectivity across the region.

The leader of Carlisle City Council and Borderlands Partnership Board co-chair, Cllr John Mallinson said: ‘It’s fantastic to announce the signing of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal bringing fresh investment from Government of up to £350million to our region, alongside local contributions of over £100million. The 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.

‘The deal will also provide crucial support to our region’s 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.’