A 'TRANSFORMATIONAL' project has edged closer to reality following a meeting of leading councillors this week.
Copeland Council’s executive met in Whitehaven on Tuesday, discussing the ambitious Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH).
The executive agreed to recommend that the council accepts funding of £2.329million from Sellafield’s Social Impact Fund supporting the first year of operations at iSH.
iSH, operating as a council-run company, will prepare West Cumbria for the reduction of jobs at Sellafield when operations on site eventually wind down.
READ MORE: 35 businesses express interest in populating Leconfield enterprise park
The mission of iSH is to 'cultivate innovation and skills' in West Cumbria, particularly around clean energy and nuclear decommissioning.
Councillors also voted to recommend that Copeland re-submits a bid to Central Government’s Levelling-Up fund which would finance future developments at Leconfield Industrial Estate.
The redevelopment of Leconfield in Cleator Moor into an enterprise park, bringing together employers in industry and innovation, is a major element of iSH’s work.
The executive also voted to accept £7million from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority's Social Impact Fund if the council's bid for the money has a positive outcome.
NDA money will be used to finance the development of Leconfield Industrial Estate into the iSH Enterprise Campus.
READ MORE: West Cumbria to become go-to skills hotbed under Copeland Council project
Presenting the recommendations, Councillor David Moore said: “This is led by Copeland Borough Council, we initially bought Leconfield to carry forward this transformational scheme which has regional, national and international significance.
“I think it is as important for the nuclear industry as well as it is for the council and our communities, it gives that opportunity to invest in the skills that we already have but to develop new skills within the area and bring forward aspirations for the young people, especially that’s living in our area and give them further opportunities.”
READ MORE: Plans to regenerate Leconfield industrial estate in Cleator Moor on show to residents
The recommendation will now be put to full council next Tuesday.
The nuclear and commercial services portfolio holder said that it also provides a base for businesses to grow and develop new skills, a 'centre of excellence.'
35 West Cumbrian businesses have already expressed an interest in having a presence at the enterprise park in Cleator Moor.
The council has already begun involving the next generation in the plans which could play a part in their future.
Councillor Andy Pratt said: “More than 100 schoolchildren from St Patrick’s and Montreal schools found out about exciting opportunities iSH will create at an iSH community launch held at Cleator Moor Civic Hall.
“Community and youth groups are also actively engaging with iSH with The Phoenix Youth Project at Cleator Moor represented on the iSH community group and helping ensure iSH delivers on its mission to provide opportunities for all.”
READ MORE: 'Vibrant future' for Cleator Moor as key site is purchased by Copeland Council
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