Cumbrian MP Simon Fell will meet with a Government minister to discuss the future of the GSK site in Ulverston.
Mr Fell, who represents Barrow and Furness, has secured the meeting with Michelle Donelan, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Michelle Donelan MP) to discuss creating a life sciences cluster in Ulverston.
Taking part in questions to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Mr Fell said: “I warmly welcome this statement… and the £370 million deposit towards turning the UK into a science superpower is welcome.
“My constituents will be glad to hear it, as we are trying to get the Ulverston life sciences cluster off the ground. Will the Secretary of State agree to meet me and the GSK taskforce to see how it can best engage with the strategy and take it forward?”
Ms Donelan confirmed she was prepared to meet with Mr Fell, who chairs the GSK Taskforce.
She said: “I would be delighted to meet my honourable friend to discuss what is happening in his constituency.
“I think it will improve his constituents’ lives with more jobs and better paid jobs, but it will also improve the lives of all our constituents. This is how we drive forward our economy, how we grow our economy, how we create better paid jobs, how we improve our healthcare and how we tackle climate change. My constituents are asking me for all those things, and it is this Government who are delivering this proactive, outcomes-based approach.”
The GSK Taskforce is putting together a masterplan for Ulverston, including a three-phase improvement scheme for the leisure centre, and seeking a life sciences cluster at the GSK site on North Lonsdale Road.
Mr Fell continues to raise the issue of securing a life sciences cluster at the GSK site in Ulverston, having spoken on this matter five times previously, including raising with the Prime Minister at Prime Minister’s Questions.
Mr Fell said: “As chair of the GSK Taskforce, we’re working together to bring an improved leisure centre for Ulverston, and a life sciences cluster for well paid jobs and job security for the Ulverston community.
“Local people will be well aware that I have long since campaigned to secure a lasting, positive legacy for the site, and I’m delighted to secure a meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss Ulverston and bringing a life sciences cluster to our town.”
