04 August 2020

The Government is making £900 million available through the new Getting Building Fund (GBF) for investment in local, shovel-ready infrastructure projects to stimulate jobs and support economic recovery across the country. Coast to Capital LEP has been allocated £19.2m from the GBF for a wide-ranging package of projects that will deliver a much-needed boost to the local economy.

In the Coast to Capital area, the funded projects are expected to deliver a package of projects covering wide ranging interventions that will assist Coast to Capital in its economic recovery from COVID-19 and deliver valuable infrastructure and employment opportunities.

 

At the heart of the programme is a proposal to create a new innovation centre in Crawley, bringing together major innovation led businesses, building on the existing strengths of Crawley based technology industries.

 

The schemes cover a wide range of key priorities including; regeneration of towns, creation of employment, digital infrastructure, green technology and skills.

 

The establishment of a new school of nursing and allied health provision at the University of Chichester will help meet the NHS's needs in tackling the challenges of COVID-19.

 

Getting Building Fund projects also include:

 

  • Hydrogen Engine Development Facility - This project will modify one of the existing conventional engine test cells at Ricardo, Shoreham to support the development of this exciting technology in a fast, cost-effective and timely manner.
  • Marketfield Way, Redhill - This project is a flagship mixed use-leisure based regeneration scheme in Redhill town centre. The development includes: 150 flats, a cinema and new ground and first floor commercial floorspace.
  • St James Industrial Estate, Chichester- The scheme is to refurbish and redevelop an existing industrial estate on Westhampnett Road to the East of the City Centre.

 

The full list of projects can be found at gov.uk

Jonathan Sharrock, Chief Executive at Coast to Capital said:

 

"Our goal is to fund innovative projects which meet the government requirements of driving up economic growth and jobs and green recovery. As the key criterion for this funding was for projects to be shovel-ready, these projects will need to act fast to help provide a much-needed boost to the economy.

 

We are proud that our funding allocation contains a series of ambitious and deliverable bids relating to digital infrastructure, skills and innovation. There is also a strong green growth component, reflecting the region's expertise in natural capital, energy and transport projects."

 

 

Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:

"As we get Britain building we are also laying the foundations for a green economic recovery by investing in vital infrastructure for local communities, creating jobs and building environmentally-friendly homes with a huge £1.3bn investment announced today.

 

"This Government is determined to level up all parts of the country and this funding will not only give a much needed boost to our economic recovery, it will help build the good quality, affordable homes the country needs."

 

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 a new innovation centre in Crawley, Hydrogen Engine Development Facility, Marketfield Way - Redhill, and St James Industrial Estate - Chichester. 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."

 

 

Projects are subject to full business case submission and approvals via relevant governance arrangements.

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