Decision Maker: Cabinet
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
To present the proposal to develop an Innovation Hub facility at the internationally significant Samlesbury Enterprise Zone following an allocation of £6m Devolution Capital Funding as part of the broader £20m Lancashire Combined County Authority allocation by government for a series of projects across Lancashire, Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen.
The Innovation Hub, with current costs estimated at circa £13.2m, will enhance the cyber sector cluster, link employment opportunities to Lancashire residents and businesses working with National Cyber Force and its wider supply-chain.
The report also provides an update on a range of key workstreams facilitating the delivery of the Enterprise Zone including, progress made on the broader site preparation programme, the commercial master planning of Zone A to complement the proposed Innovation Hub, the securing of an updated Local Development Order and of the future marketing strategy.
This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the requirements of the council's Cabinet procedure rules (Standing Order C18, Consideration of Key Decisions) have been complied with.
The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.
Reason Key: LCC - Expenditure or Savings > £2,200,000;
Corporate Priorities : Economic ambition;
Divisions Affected: Ribble Valley North East; South Ribble East;
Contact: Chris Dyson Email: chris.dyson@lancashire.gov.uk Tel: 01772 536641.
Date of decision: 16/01/2025
Effective from: 22/01/2025