Region bids to deliver AI Growth Zone

Mayor David Skaith has confirmed York and North Yorkshire’s bid to become one of the UK’s first AI Growth Zones.

Under the mayor’s leadership, the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has submitted a formal bid backed by North Yorkshire Council, Drax Power Station and the University of York.

If successful, the initiative could generate up to £85 billion in economic growth across the wider Yorkshire and Humber region.

Centred on the Drax Power Station site, near Selby, the proposal would build on existing renewable energy infrastructure to create a national base for carbon-negative power, agri-tech innovation and AI development.

The bid aims to secure 15 per cent of the UK’s AI-driven growth by 2035, driving forward rural productivity and innovation across sectors including clean energy, life sciences and rail.

Mayor Skaith said: “Seizing on our long-established history at the forefront of innovation, York and North Yorkshire will deliver a pioneering, world-class AI Growth Zone. 

“Our pitch to Government aligns with their ‘Plans for Change’. 

“It is bold and credible plan that could transform the economic future of Yorkshire and the Humber.  

“An AI Growth zone in our region will create a pathway to the world’s first carbon-negative data centre, as part of an AI and Clean Energy Campus. 

“The bid is underpinned by clear plans to accelerate adoption of AI, igniting innovation across industry and academia, creating public-private partnerships to unlock prosperity, and empower the potential of our communities through skills, jobs and digital inclusion.

“York and North Yorkshire stands ‘shovel ready’ to work with Government and to seize on this transformational opportunity.”

Richard Gwilliam, development director at Drax, added: “We are proud to support York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s AI Growth Zone bid which provides a pathway to unlocking billions of pounds of growth for the whole region and facilitating the Government’s ambition for the UK to become an AI superpower.

“Securing AI Growth Zone status would enable the creation of an AI and Clean Energy Campus at Drax Power Station, accommodating a potential carbon negative data centre alongside university, research and development, and learning and development facilities. 

“An AI Growth Zone in the region could create its own innovation ecosystem, foster entrepreneurship, attract major businesses, as well as drawing in more investment and turbocharging our economy.”

A decision is expected following the Government’s comprehensive spending review on June 11.

Charlie Jeffery, vice-chancellor of the University of York, added: “This is such an opportunity for York and North Yorkshire to be a beacon for responsible AI innovation. 

“It would mean developments in AI can be pursued hand-in-hand with our world-leading research on safety and ethical considerations. 

“We’d attract further investment and talent, all committed to building trustworthy AI systems, and all for the benefit of this region, the UK and beyond.”

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