Damian welcomes the arrival of a new Enterprise Zone along the M3 ‘Sci-Tech corridor’ which will bring new businesses, jobs and investment to Whitehill and Bordon as well as to Basingstoke and Chertsey.
The successful multi-site bid was made by the Enterprise M3 Local Economic Partnership (LEP) in conjunction with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, East Hampshire District Council and Runnymede Borough Council and is one of 26 new Enterprise Zones announced in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, bringing the total of new zones to 28 as 2 had already been announced prior to the statement.
Damian said:
“Hearing the news from the Minister for Local Growth and the Northern Powerhouse was fantastic and I must commend Steve Pearce, Susan Robbins and the team at East Hampshire District Council for their role in helping Enterprise M3 LEP and their other partners secure this through what I understand was an extremely competitive bid process.
“I am delighted that Whitehill and Bordon has been identified as one of the centres able to lead the world in areas such as digital media, 5G and cyber security. The focus on developing digital technologies and infrastructure in the new Enterprise Zone is very exciting and I’m sure will attract businesses and investment that will not only benefit Whitehill and Bordon but also the wider community in East Hampshire.”
It is anticipated that the Enterprise Zone could bring 105 new businesses and 495 jobs to Whitehill and Bordon, as well as 20,000 sqm of new commercial floorspace
For more information from East Hampshire District Council, please click HERE
Images: artist impressions of the planned Future Skills Centre and the Business and Enterprise Centre in Whitehill and Bordon.