News

NEW NORTH WEST STRATEGY OUT FOR DEBATE IN CUMBRIA

BUSINESSES and organisations from across the public, private and third sectors in Cumbria will have the opportunity to debate and contribute to the development of the new Northwest Strategy (RS2010) today (8^th February), as part of a region wide consultation programme.

The event, hosted by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and 4NW, the Regional Leaders Board in partnership with Cumbria Vision , is taking place at the Rheged Centre in Penrith. It provides an opportunity for key stakeholders in Cumbria to provide their input into the draft integrated Regional Strategy to ensure that it meets the changing needs of the sub-region and the Northwest as a whole.

Robert Hough, NWDA Chairman, said: “The development of RS2010 offers a unique opportunity to bring economic, environmental and social priorities together into a single vision for the region’s development over the next 20 years. The Agency and 4NW have worked closely with the public, private and third sectors in the Northwest to develop the first part of the framework. The consultation process is now critical to shaping the strategy and ensuring that it effectively addresses the region’s challenges and opportunities.”

Cllr Sir Richard Leese, Chairman of 4NW, the Regional Leaders Board, said: “We have a strong tradition of working in partnership in the Northwest and we are confident that the new strategy will build on this to play a pivotal role in driving investment and development in the region. Our objective must be excellent quality of life for all - and that to do this we must become more prosperous, more equitable and a lot less carbon dependent so that by 2030 the Northwest is a better place to live, learn, work, visit and invest.”

The Regional Strategy for the Northwest (RS2010) is being led by the NWDA and 4NW on behalf of the region. The draft part 1 provides an overarching vision and proposes the strategic priorities where working together will maximise the region’s opportunities and address its challenges, including:
· Capitalising on the opportunities of moving to a low carbon economy and addressing climate change
· Building on the region’s sources of international competitive advantage and regional distinctiveness
· Releasing the potential of the region’s people and tackling poverty
· Ensuring the right housing and infrastructure for sustainable growth

The draft highlights the following issues that are important to Cumbria:

· Exploiting the opportunities of energy and the low-carbon economy, include nuclear, environmental technologies and renewables through the Energy Coast initiative.
· Building on the international profile of the Lake District to raise the attractiveness of ‘Destination Cumbria’ as a place to live, invest, work and visit
· Supporting Carlisle to develop its ‘heritage city’ offer
· Exploiting advanced engineering opportunities in Barrow
· Improving FE/HE skills by developing the University of Cumbria
· Supporting the protection and enhancement of the Lake District National Park

Simon Sjenitzer, Strategy Director at Cumbria Vision, said: “We have an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure a more prosperous future for Cumbria by capitalising on the shift to a low carbon economy and building on our reputation as a world-class “destination” – not just in terms of tourism, but as a place to live, work and invest. The key to success will be ensuring the economic benefits this brings filters down to all our communities, in particular those in hard to reach rural areas.

“An integrated plan that pulls together large “transformational” projects and much-needed improvements to housing, transport, education and so on, is key to Cumbria’s ambition and the ambition for the Northwest through the 2010 process. By joining forces we have a better chance to achieve a goal shared by all in the Northwest – a brighter and more prosperous future for communities and businesses we serve.”

The Northwest is the first English region to begin working on an integrated regional strategy, building on the learning gained in developing the existing Regional Economic Strategy, the Regional Spatial Strategy and the Regional Housing Strategy. The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Consultation Act 2009 now makes it a statutory requirement for RDAs and Local Authority Leaders Boards to develop integrated regional strategies to promote sustainable economic growth and contribute to sustainable development in their regions.

The draft Part 1 consultation document has been informed by the development of a substantial evidence base, as well as the Principles and Issues consultation in 2009, which agreed the headline vision, outcomes and values on which RS2010 should be based.

RS2010 is being developed in two parts. The draft Part 1 outlines the high-level strategic framework. Part 2 and an Implementation Framework will set out the detailed policies and actions to deliver the strategic priorities. Following the consultation process, a revised Part 1, together with a draft Part 2 and Implementation Plan will then be prepared later this year, and subject to a formal 12 week statutory consultation in preparation for an Examination in Public.

The document is available to download – http://www.nwregionalstrategy.com

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Notes to editors:

4NW

4NW is the Regional Leaders Board for the Northwest of England. We place public, private and third sector stakeholders at the heart of decisions that shape the future of the Northwest, its people and places. 4NW has responsibility for housing, planning, transport and economic development.

4NW has a board of members including council leaders from each of the five sub-regions, Cumbria, Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester, along with seven representatives from the private, non-governmental sector such as Manchester Airport Group, North West Universities Association and the North West Trades Union Congress – people who are responsible for delivering the strategy proposals at local level in the Northwest.

For further information please contact Sarah Moston, Press Officer on 01925 400552 or 07810 528 471 or Sarah.Moston@nwda.co.uk

For urgent out of hours press enquiries please call 01925 400259.

For further information and to view all press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk/press

The Northwest Regional Development Agency works to deliver economic success in England’s Northwest by building the competitiveness of its businesses, people and places. Utilising our technical expertise and strategic influence, we help the region’s 250,000+ businesses to develop and grow, as well as supporting international trade and encouraging inward investment.

Cumbria Vision is the organisation charged with leading the economic regeneration of Cumbria and is responsible for identifying clear priorities for investment; bringing together skills and higher paid jobs; promoting private sector investment and growth. www.cumbriavision.co.uk