Ashington business park set for share of £13.5m to create jobs in former coalfield sites
A former coalfield area in Ashington is set to get a share of £13.5 million to construct new industrial developments for businesses.
Communities in former coalfield areas of Britain will benefit from new jobs and business opportunities, as the Chancellor confirms investment in projects that support local talent and boost growth.
Ashwood Business Park in Ashington, St Helens in Merseyside and Seven Sisters in Neath Port Talbot are among six locations that have been selected to get a share of £13.5 million.
The money from the Government’s Growth Mission Fund will pay for half of the construction costs of new industrial developments which will house small and medium-sized businesses.
The Coalfields Regeneration Trust – a charity dedicated to creating jobs and injecting growth into coalfield areas - will fund the other half.
Former coalfield areas have been selected to receive this funding as the Chancellor pushes to return jobs, opportunities and investment to areas that were once a hub of industry.
The funding will support entrepreneurs in those areas who want to start their own business - or business owners who want to expand their company - in their hometown, rather than feeling forced to go to the next biggest town or city with a stronger economy.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “These areas have been overlooked for decades, haemorrhaging talent with ingrained decline.
"Our investment in new industrial developments is one way we’re making it a stronger business destination where jobs and opportunity are created, not wasted.
“If you are an entrepreneur in a former coalfield area wanting to start your own business - or are already a business owner there wanting to expand your company - we are backing you.”
Andy Lock, Chief Executive of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, said: “This is fantastic news for coalfield communities, and this investment will deliver benefits for many years to come.
“Our industrial developments will create hundreds of jobs and economic growth for the coalfields, while the income generated will support more grassroots community organisations and vulnerable people in the coalfields.
“This funding will change thousands of lives in coalfield communities, taking us another step forward to address the challenging legacy of the pit closures.”
In Ashington, a 49,500 square foot industrial development is proposed once the site is purchased and planning permission secured.