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.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure or Savings > £2,200,000;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in by Scrutiny)
Divisions affected: Ribble Valley North East; South Ribble East;
Notice of proposed decision first published: 18/12/2024
Anticipated restriction: Part I - View reasons
Explanation of anticipated restriction:
Appendix 'A' is Part II.
Decision due: 16 Jan 2025 by Cabinet
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Growth
Lead director: Director of Growth and Regeneration
Department: Growth and Regeneration
Contact: Chris Dyson Email: chris.dyson@lancashire.gov.uk Tel: 01772 536641.