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Birmingham Post
Birmingham Post
Business
Tamlyn Jones

Local Growth Programme invests £207m in Greater Birmingham projects

A funding scheme aimed at boosting Greater Birmingham and Solihull has invested more than £200 million since launching in 2015.

The Local Growth Fund programme, run by Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, has now committed all of its funds, totalling £207.9 million, to 100 projects across the city region.

Among them is £20 million towards the revamp of Alexander Stadium ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games and £6 million for the renovation of Symphony Hall.

The LEP said the overarching aim of its investments was inclusive economic growth with a focus on projects such as creating commercial space, the growth of low carbon initiatives and supporting skills.

It added that these 100 projects had so far created 13,000 jobs, helped more than 3,000 new learners and enabled 1,500 homes to be built.

The LEP said it was now on track to unlock £500 million of match funding.

Chairman Tim Pile said: "We are proud to have reached this significant milestone and have such strong figures to back up the impact we have made.

"We have listened to our businesses and worked with our partners in local authorities, the private and academic sectors to ensure local insight is used to make sustainable investment decisions.

"Through our £207.9m Local Growth Fund, we have created thousands of jobs and opportunities in our key growth sectors of low carbon, health technologies, creative, professional services and advanced manufacturing.

"We have also committed millions of pounds to making better places for everyone to work in and to live in. At the heart of all this is our mission to create inclusive economic growth.

"The last 12 months have been incredibly challenging for everyone but we have continued to focus on making a positive impact.

"As restrictions start to ease, our partners and the businesses we work with are in a strong position to bounce back."

Other projects to have received LEP funding include a highways upgrade to improve access to the refuelling station at Tyseley Energy Park and £7 million for the Birmingham Energy Innovation Centre at the same site.

Further investments include £8 million towards unlocking stalled housing sites, £1.8 million towards the Redditch Gateway Project and £4.4 million for the Advanced Manufacturing Hub in Aston.

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