Liverpool Hope
The Potential of Atlantic Gateway
• ‘If anywhere in the UK can develop the critical mass
and momentum to become an alternative growth pole
to London, it is Atlantic Gateway’ Lord Heseltine and
Sir Terry Leahy
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By 2030, there is the potential for some 250,000
new jobs to be created in the Atlantic Gateway area
and around 140,000 of these jobs will be
associated with Atlantic Gateway priority projects,
involving £14 billion of new, mainly private sector
investment.
What is it?
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Not a defined place
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Series of growth points that have regional or national
significance for jobs and growth
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Links 4 Enterprise Zones across 3 LEPs
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Provides ‘additionality’
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Operates ‘pan LEP’
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Aims to accelerate growth in the North
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Aims to achieve a good flow of skills across growing
sectors and across the Gateway area
Atlantic Gateway Area
Current Challenges
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Sluggish economic growth over the past few years
North West more vulnerable than the South East. BUT
Rebalancing of economy a coalition priority. Private sector
investment a priority. AG can help
Recent infrastructure announcements very positive, eg
Northern Hub
Government support Atlantic Gateway
Clear confidence in the Atlantic Gateway to deliver, eg EIB
loan, chancellor visit to Liverpool 2
Port Salford’s Western Gateway Infrastructure Scheme
(WGIS) started, Liverpool 2 started
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AG Role
Private sector led, but includes representation across the 3
LEPs. Also, EA and UU represented
Not a delivery body, but one whose role is to act as a vehicle
for maximising investment, across the whole of the Atlantic
Gateway area.
3 Local LEPs across the AG area, based around functional
economic areas, but cutting across the three of them is a
major communication and freight artery (the Ship Canal/
Mersey) which also connects the North West's three
Enterprise Zones and other major investment opportunities
To fully exploit the prospects for growth in this area, the
Atlantic Gateway partnership has been formed to put
together an integrated strategy for the corridor within the
context of the plans that each LEP has for the development
of their areas.
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AG Role
The Atlantic Gateway does not concern itself with that which
is already happening, but where it can add value across a
wider area.
The Atlantic Gateway Partnership is not a duplication of
LEPs, but moreover it works with LEPs and other
administrative bodies to identify cross boundary issues, eg.
The Northern Hub. Given that every Atlantic Gateway project
has regional significance and influence, this role is a crucial
one for the partnership.
We also have an important role to influence the decision
takers and policy makers in Government and to encourage
and support collaborative working across influencing bodies
Defining Themes
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Growth
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Connectivity
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Infrastructure
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Sustainability
Sectors
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Transport
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Logistics
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Science
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Energy
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Low carbon Economy
Priorities
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The expansion of the port and canal network
Further development of scientific facilities and
collaborative centres at Sci-Tech Daresbury
The Northern Hub
Progress on Priorities
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EIB announce £150m for Liverpool 2. Fantastic news for
regional economy. Construction has begun
Media City phase 1 complete
Chancellor has visited 2 AG projects- L2 and Media City
Port Bridgewater to start construction early 2013
Northern Hub to be funded in full. Excellent news for
passengers, freight and the economy
WGIS scheme for Port Salford has started construction.
Community Environment Fund being administered
Halton Bridge included in top 100 infrastructure projects
Sci Tech Darebury successful RGF bid
Developing Future Priorities
Ask the following questions:
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Do they fit well with the above themes and sectors?
Can the partnership actively influence their delivery in the short and
medium term?
Can they demonstrate their contribution to jobs and growth?