Ayrshire Growth Deal on target to create thousands of new jobs for region

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The Ayrshire Growth Deal is on track to create 7000 new jobs for the region over the next decade, say those at the helm of the project.It comes as the first annual report on the Deal insisted "better times are ahead".Targeted investment of £250 million is currently being plunged into the region in a bid to drive prosperity and new employment.It is expected that further private investment of at least £300 million will help lead to the avalanche of new jobs in years to come.A number of key early achievements have been highlighted in the report, including the opening of the enterprise and innovation Hub at the HALO Kilmarnock, set for this Spring.A £3 million Community Wealth Building has moved into delivery, along with a £5 million ‘Working for a Healthy Economy’ project.

The spaceport project at Prestwick Airport, which has seen a launch deal signed with Astraius, is now entering the licensing process.Elsewhere, a Memorandum of Understanding has been penned North Ayrshire Council, Peel Ports and Scottish Enterprise.It will drive forward the short, medium and long-term plans for a key part of the Hunterston PARC site.A number of new business cases are also expected to be approved in the coming months.South Ayrshire Council leader Peter Henderson chairs the Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee.He said: “The last year has been an extremely successful one and a lot of things have been put in place that will provide a platform for us to bring projects to fruition over the coming years.“Perhaps the biggest positive in our first year since the Deal was confirmed is the number of partnerships with industry and academia that have been established. "Having that level of expertise and skill is a massive asset and will ensure we are in