Govt To Invest £191m In South West Region

The Government has unveiled plans to invest £191 million in the South West region.

Announced by Communities Secretary Sajid Javid, the cash boost aims to help generate jobs, support businesses and encourage growth.

The funding has been awarded from the £12 billion Local Growth Fund, as well as £780m of growth funding already awarded to the six Local Enterprise Partnerships in the region.

Key projects delivered so far have included:

• the £22m rebuild of the A338

• funding to Bristol Robotics Institute of Technology, helping to link industry and academia in high-tech robotics


• a Gloucestershire Renewable Energy Engineering and Nuclear Skills Centre (GREEN) to provide the next generation of low-carbon and engineering experts

• 60 new jobs in Penzance at the Train Care Centre

The latest funding award will help develop further key projects, such as:

• a new roundabout and access road on the A40 to release land for housing at Longford and mitigate traffic impacts

• over £4m for Enterprise Zone infrastructure to unlock a 91 hectare site at Huntspill Energy Park at Bridgwater

• support for space, aerospace and marine renewable energy activity at Cornwall's Enterprise Zones

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said: "The South West is home to some of Britain's top businesses, and they know the best way to create jobs and boost growth in their local area.

"That's why we're backing their ideas with almost £1 billion for business and infrastructure projects across the region, so the South West can reach its full potential, and we create a country that works for everyone."

(LM/MH)