The announcement from Government today follows the submission of the Growth Deal and Strategic Economic Plan by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) in March 2014.
During the development of the Strategic Economic Plan, the Council prioritised a number of transport and non-transport projects which will enable economic growth.
Cllr Ron Woodley, Leader of the Council says: “I am delighted that the funding announced today will see over £50m of Growth funding coming into Southend over the next six years. This is thanks to all of the hard work put in by our council officers who have made this happen.
“It will enable further investments into the A127 across South Essex which will greatly benefit Southend-on-Sea and our future economic prosperity. This work will complement previous work already completed at Progress Road and Cuckoo Corner, and the upcoming work that will take place at the Nestuda Way junction this Summer.
“This funding will also help to deliver much needed interventions in Victoria Avenue which will help us to deliver on the long standing ambition to regenerate this important gateway to the town.”
Cllr Martin Terry, Executive Councillor for Public Protection, Waste and Transport, says: “This significant investment will help to improve infrastructure, support local businesses, keep our economy growing and our transport and roads moving. We look forward to receiving more of the detail of the announcement this week.”
Cllr Graham Longley, Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism and Economic Development, says: “This is a tremendous boost to the local economy and will secure our economic prosperity into the future and help us build on the work that we are already doing through the City Deal, of which we are the only one with the SELEP area, and Regional Growth funding to support local businesses.”
Rob Tinlin, Chief Executive of the Council, says: “This is further demonstration from Government that Southend is a town and a council that delivers. This funding will help to improve infrastructure, the public realm and support the work that we are doing to create and safeguard jobs and skills in the Borough.
“It is also pleasing to see that Southend is receiving funding for Victoria Avenue and the growth hub, one of only two non-transport projects announced today.”
Of the projects prioritised in Southend the following have been named as recipients of funding:
- A127 Growth Corridor - capacity enhancements £35.6m (of the 33 transport schemes 5 are A127 ECC/Southend)
- A local sustainable transport programme share of £5m
- Southend Central Area Action Plan (SCAAP) Growth Point - Growth Hub and Victoria Avenue development £6.7m
- SCAAP Growth Point - Transport improvements £7m (allocated in 16/17 and beyond)
For more details and information, visit: http://www.southeastlep.com/