West Cumbria is at the forefront when it comes to the global nuclear industry and boasts considerable expertise in renewable energy; including offshore wind farms, oil and gas.

The area has many strengths and assets that are of national and international importance. Not only is employment, research and development well above the regional average but there is already a high levels of skills in environmental remediation, engineering and nuclear decommissioning.

Therefore it is vital that West Cumbria grasps the opportunities that will arise through the nuclear decommissioning process taking place at Sellafield – where 36 per cent of the UK’s civil nuclear industry is located – and builds on its growing reputation as a place for innovation in renewable energy.

The Britain’s Energy Coast™ Masterplan sets out how this will be achieved and outlines how the area’s expertise in the nuclear sector can be used as a springboard for the regeneration of the area – which will diversify the local economy; significantly improve the prospects of local communities; and raise the sub region’s profile as a superb place to live, work and visit.

The Masterplan is an exciting package of projects that will establish West Cumbria as Britain’s Energy Coast’™ - a centre of excellence for nuclear and other energy technologies, complemented with high quality local services.

Projects range from the establishment of pioneering centres for nuclear skills and enterprise support for businesses to transport improvements and the development of West Cumbria as tourism destination.

The packed programme totals a £2 billion public and private sector investment over the next 20 years. The Cumbria Partners of the West Cumbria Strategic Forum, of which West Lakes Renaissance is a key member has worked intensively with regional and national organisations, including Government, to draw up the plan and secure the financial backing from Westminster.

In local terms the projects contained in the Masterplan will see the creation of around 16,000 jobs; boost the County’s economy to the tune of £800 million (in terms of Gross Value Added) and transform West Cumbria into one of the fastest growing sub regional economies in the United Kingdom.

On a wider level the economic benefits of the Masterplan will be felt throughout the North West and across the UK. It will also make a significant contribution towards helping Government to combat climate change and help secure the nation’s energy supply. Projects that are included in the Masterplan are a mixture of new developments requiring new money and existing proposals with money already allocated to them.

These include:
• The Dalton Cumbria Facility (Manchester University)

•The Dalton Cumbria Facility (Manchester University)

•National Nuclear Laboratory

•Energus (formerly the Nuclear Academy) which is part funded by West Lakes Renaissance and Northwest Regional Development Agency

•University of Cumbria expansion into West Cumbria

•A new £100 million acute hospital, with research and teaching facilities, which will build on West Cumbria’s existing strengths in toxicology, radiation and epidemiology

•A new nuclear power station at the Sellafield site

•Enterprise support for local businesses and enterprise training in schools

•Improvements to schools and the establishment of new academies totalling more than £200 million

•The creation of new, and improvements to an array of existing employment sites (link to employment sites)

•Public realm investment in West Cumbrian towns

•A total of £80 million in Housing Market Renewal

•Long term programme of strategic transport improvements, including the A66 (the main link between the M6 and West Cumbria); the Cumbria Coast Railway; and improved connections between the line and the West Coast Mainline.

•£50 million worth of development of cultural, sporting and leisure facilities

•New tourism facilities, including a hotel in Whitehaven

•Improvements to the marinas in Whitehaven, Workington and Maryport

West Lakes Renaissance is to lead on the delivery of much of the Masterplan. The £750 million public sector funding needed will come through the Northwest Regional Development Agency and Communities England.

The vision for Britain’s Energy Coast™ is…

“By 2027 West Cumbria will be a confident place that prides itself on its strong economy providing opportunities for all and offering a lifestyle of choice.”

It will;

Be globally recognised as a leading nuclear, energy, environment and related technology business cluster, building on its nuclear assets and its technology and research strengths

Be a strong, diversified and well connected economy, with a growing, highly skilled population with high employment

Project a positive image to the world, and be recognised by all as an area of scientific excellence, outstanding natural beauty and vibrant lifestyle, which attracts a diverse population and visitor profile

Provide opportunities for all its communities, where geography is not a barrier to achievement and where deprivation, inequality and social immobility have been reduced

A dedicated website has been recently launched. For full details of the Britain’s Energy Coast™ visit
www.britainsenergycoast.com.