Croydon is fundamental to the economic success of the growth corridor from Gatwick Airport to London and this agreement prioritises actions in relation to transport, digital infrastructure and new university capacity.
Coast to Capital has also agreed a new strategic relationship with the South East LEP in relation to Lewes which is a vital part of the economy of East Sussex and Greater Brighton. Both organisations are committed to the success of the Newhaven Enterprise Zone, which is charged with the regeneration of the town and essential to the long-term economic success of the area.
These agreements confirm the new geographical boundaries of Coast to Capital which will no longer include Croydon and Lewes will come into effect from 1 April 2019. There will be an agreed transition period as the new strategic relationships are established and transparent governance arrangements confirmed. Programmes already in delivery through Coast to Capital's existing Growth Deal programme will continue during the transition period.
Both agreements can be found in full on our website.
London LEP news item can be found here.
South East LEP press release can be found here.
Tim Wates, Coast to Capital Chairman said:
"This is a very exciting time for Coast to Capital following the publication of our new Strategic Economic Plan Gatwick 360. We are pleased to have agreed these new strategic relationships as we start to negotiate our Local Industrial Strategy with Government in joint collaboration with our partners in London and the South East."
"Our new relationship with London recognises the importance of Croydon to the Gatwick to London growth corridor and ensures we can maintain an exceptionally close relationship with Croydon in order to deliver on our strategic priorities together.
"We are proud of the work of the Newhaven Enterprise Zone which will continue to drive forward transformational investment in the town. We look forward to working with partners to ensure its continued success. "
Councillor Tony Newman, leader of Croydon Council, said:
"I'm delighted the government recognises the key role Croydon is playing in helping drive the economy in the south east as part of Coast to Capital as well as continuing to work closely with our partners in London.
"We're a borough that is continuing to grow, as well as undergoing a digital revolution that is very much alive and well, and this new relationship underlines our importance to both the Coast to Capital and London LEPs.
"I'm looking forward to working with our partners to get the best for Croydon, the south east and London as this new working relationship flourishes."
Angus Knowles-Cutler, Deputy Chair, LEAP said:
"We are extremely excited to be working with Coast to Capital on our new joint approach to growth in this key corridor. Croydon provides a fantastic opportunity for growth for both LEP areas and we are committed to supporting the case for social and hard infrastructure to support this growth".
Councillor Andy Smith, Leader of Lewes District Council, said:
"We look forward to continuing our great success working with Coast to Capital across a broad range of issues and areas, not least in Newhaven where our shared vision for the Enterprise Zone is supporting business growth and rising levels of local employment.
"Our strategic links are strong and will no doubt ensure the progress and momentum we've achieved to date will be maintained."
SELEP chair, Christian Brodie, said:
"Lewes is a vital part of the economy of East Sussex and the South East, as well as the travel to work and travel to learn area of the Greater Brighton economy.
"SELEP and Coast 2 Capital have committed to consult on how economic development in Lewes should be addressed in the forthcoming Local Industrial Strategies."
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