Video

New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership announces £9m infrastructure fund as it reveals economic strategy for Norfolk and Suffolk

Areial view of the Norwich Research Park. Picture: Norwich Research Park Archant

A £9m funding pot has been ring-fenced for infrastructure projects across Norfolk and Suffolk which will drive growth in the region.

Share Email this article to a friend To send a link to this page you must be logged in.

Leaf Expression Systems at Norwich Research Park. Dr Franziska Kellner talks about her work infiltrating agro bacterium in between individual cells in the leaf. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY Leaf Expression Systems at Norwich Research Park. Dr Franziska Kellner talks about her work infiltrating agro bacterium in between individual cells in the leaf. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY

The New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) announced the cash as it revealed the Economic Strategy for Norfolk and Suffolk after approval from its board on Wednesday.

The document sets out targets for the region to achieve by 2036 including growing the economy by £17.5bn, creating 88,000 new jobs and 30,000 new businesses.

The vision for Norfolk and Suffolk has been developed by councils and business groups, led by the LEP, and will be implemented in parts by the relevant partner.

The infrastructure fund will be available for projects which will be completed by March 31 2019.

The Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm off the Norfolk coast. Picture: Ian Burt The Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm off the Norfolk coast. Picture: Ian Burt

Successful bids must be able to show they fulfil priorities of the strategy including driving business growth and productivity, driving skills development and inclusion and supporting competitive clusters close to global centres.

Priority will be given to projects which have a well-developed outline business case, are realistic and achievable and can demonstrate flexibility in delivery.

Expressions of interest must be submitted by November 30 with the funding coming from the New Anglia LEP growth deal.

Chris Starkie, managing director of New Anglia LEP, said: “Launching this call for projects gives us the opportunity to start working towards the ambitions set out in the new strategy.

“We’re keen to hear about projects which will improve connectivity, unlock growth and help to deliver higher level skills across the region.”

Other focuses of the economic strategy include building on opportunities in the energy sector on the East Anglian coast, growing the life sciences, biotech and agri-tech cluster at Norwich Research Park and developing the Norwich-Cambridge technology corridor along the A11.

Work on implementation plans for the strategy, involving public and private sector partners, has already started.

Business consultation events will take place early in the new year and implementation plans will be in place by April 1.