A deal that will bring £452m in investment to the Borderlands region has been signed by leading politicians in the area.
The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal was formally signed this morning by ministers of the UK and Scottish Governments and representatives of the five councils in the Borderlands area.
The deal – signed virtually – is the largest geographical area of any regional growth deal ever negotiated with the UK and Scottish Governments and it is the first cross-border deal.
It is hoped that the long-term benefits of the deal will reach all parts of the Borderlands area, driving inclusive growth and delivering significant and lasting benefits for individuals, businesses and communities.
Carlisle City Council chief executive, Jason Gooding, said it was a “happy and historic moment for the Borderlands region.”
Robert Jenrick, Housing, Communities and Local Government told the virtual meeting: “It only seems like yesterday that I met some of you in the Treasury building. It is now two years ago.
“We have been discussing this idea for a long time but we needed to come together to make it happen.
“I am delighted to join you virtually. It is an exciting culmination.”
Mr Jenrick said it was a “key part” of the Government’s “levelling-up” agenda.
He described it is a long-term project, but added: “We have already done the first phase at Carlisle Station, which is £24m to revitalise the station, including £20m from my department.”
The minister also pointed to the investment that will be made to improve cycling provision in the Lake District and work on Hadrian’s Wall.
John Mallinson, leader of Carlisle City Council and co-chairman of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, said: “It is a privilege to be here to sign the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal on behalf of Carlisle City Council.”
Mr Mallinson also spoke about the plans to revitalise Carlisle Station saying it would help establish Carlisle as the transport hub of the Borderlands region and help pave the way for HS2.
“There is also Carlisle Citadel and the £50m investment on the Grade I-listed building to bring a new campus for the University of Cumbria, bringing new opportunities to existing students and attract other students to the area,” he added.
“The Carlisle Citadel development is one I have a particular interest in as my office used to be in the Citadel until a few years ago,” said Stewart Young, chairman of Cumbria County Council.
“Cumbria is at the heart of improving infrastructure and connectivity in the region. There has been exciting work on the Borderlands Railway.”
Mr Young also pointed to the £32m that will be spent to address gaps in digital and mobile connectivity across the region.
The council leader celebrated the news that Cumbria was to host a phase of the Tour of Britain in September, saying the county would benefit from the investment used to improve the cycling provision in the Lake District.
He also toasted the Place programme, which will see up to £3m made available to towns to drive their reinvention.
