Northumberland County Council signs investment deal worth around £452m

Northumberland County Council has signed an investment deal worth up to £452m of new investment for the region.

The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal was formally signed and may bring up to £452m of fresh investment to the Borderlands area. Ministers of the UK and Scottish Governments and representatives of the five councils of the Borderlands Partnership signed the Deal at a virtual ceremony.

The long-term benefits of the deal aim to reach all parts of the Borderlands area, driving growth and delivering lasting benefits for individuals, businesses and communities.

The projects of the deal aim to deliver up to 5,500 jobs and £1.1bn of additional GVA with a sustainable and inclusive approach to growth.

Northumberland County Council Leader Glen Sanderson said: “I’m delighted to have signed this deal which is hugely important for us. It will improve the lives and boost prospects for so many people – not just in Northumberland but across the wider Borderlands area.

“Here in Northumberland we’re already seeing the benefits, with investment confirmed for Berwick Theatre and Hadrian’s Wall to complement the previously approved schemes of Alnwick Garden Lillidorei and Ad Gefrin Visitor Experience and Distillery in Wooler.

“And while we’re really proud of what we’ve achieved so far this is just the start. There’s a bright future ahead as the funding and projects roll out over the coming years.”

The deal will deliver across four themes: improving places; enabling infrastructure; encouraging green growth; and supporting innovation, business and skills. Each theme has an agreed set of projects delivering a step change for the businesses and communities of Borderlands by increasing productivity.

£20m funding is included for the redevelopment of Carlisle Station and the surrounding area, to act as a gateway to the region. Work to assess the benefits and challenges of extending the Edinburgh – Tweedbank Borders Railway to Carlisle will also be progressed.