Borderlands Growth Deal aims to ‘breathe new life into areas which have long been overlooked’ | News

Representatives from the five local authorities which straddle the Scotland-England border are meeting in Penrith today (Thursday), to celebrate the achievements of the Borderlands Growth Deal.

As well as gaining planning permission for a new mountain bike innovation centre in Innerleithen, it’s also helped create more than 100 jobs in Northumberland – with the opening of a new whisky distillery in Wooler and play park in Alnwick.

Elsewhere, the Digital Borderlands programme has seen 3,353 homes and businesses secure faster and more reliable broadband connections in areas previously suffering from slow internet speeds.

Other major projects in the pipeline include a new theatre in Berwick.

It’s claimed this ten year, £450million programme of investment, supported by the UK and Scottish governments, will not only regenerate areas which have long been overlooked, it will also leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

But there’s still no announcement on the timetable for a study into the extension of the Borders Railway.

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Jack Stopforth, Chair of the Borderlands Economic Forum, said: “We are now in year three of this ten year deal and it is great to be able to showcase the successes we have achieved since the signing in March 2021.

“Working in partnership the five councils have already made exceptional progress, but today is as much about looking forward as well as back.

“Whether it’s significant capital projects on both sides of the border, or programmes to encourage green growth and enable infrastructure, we have lots we want to make happen to improve the region for residents, businesses and visitors.”

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Today’s conference brought together representatives from the five authorities – Cumberland, Dumfries & Galloway, Northumberland, Scottish Borders, and Westmorland and Furness Councils – for the first time since the local government reorganisation in Cumbria earlier this year.

It is the only Regional Growth Deal comprising areas in England and Scotland, showcasing a unique and ambitious approach to cross-border working between Governments, local authorities and partners.

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Dehenna Davison MP, UK Government Levelling Up Minister, said: “I’m thrilled that great progress is being made to level up across the UK through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, which we’re backing with £265 million in UK Government funding to support a range of fantastic projects, from world-class visitor attractions, to investments in low cost energy and improved digital connectivity.

“We want to breathe new life into areas which have long been overlooked, so it’s exciting to hear that this deal is providing jobs and boosting prosperity for people on both sides of the border.

“I’m looking forward to seeing this deal continue to deliver exciting new projects over the next few years, helping to support a thriving local economy and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to flourish.”

Neil Gray MSP, Scottish Government Wellbeing Economy Secretary, said: “I welcome progress across the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, and I look forward to projects in Scotland commencing later this year.

“Scottish Government investment of up to £85 million will help drive improvements in regional infrastructure, local communities, tourism, connectivity and innovation as well as building on the region’s natural assets.

“Our investment will help deliver a step change in regional economic performance and will support green, fair jobs and build prosperity.”

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