Meeting the challenge of growing Lancashire’s post-Covid economy

Major strategic development programmes are planned across Lancashire, which will form key components of the economic recovery from the Covid pandemic and future growth plans.

Lancashire County Council are working with their partners to redefine Lancashire through a safe and sustainable approach to the Covid recovery.

And they’re recruiting a skilled new team to drive forward these plans.

This recruitment focus will include a range of new roles being advertised over coming weeks and months including programme and project managers, an estates development lead, principal planners and project officers.

As part of the ‘economic jigsaw’, this will accelerate our economy, strengthen resilience, attract developers and investors, and provide opportunities for new and emerging business sectors.

Stephen Young, Executive Director of Growth, Environment and Transport at Lancashire County Council, said: “We’re already home to the second largest economy in the north west, but there’s still more potential here. Through this recruitment, our increased capacity will help to deliver our key aims.

“The county council are proactively working with a wide range of public and private sector partners to deliver regionally and nationally-significant schemes and develop new opportunities through major strategic sites and key infrastructure.

“These will shape and transform Lancashire’s identity for many years to come, with the aim of bringing thousands of new jobs, and increase investment and skills.

“Lancashire is a place of opportunity for current and future businesses, our communities and residents. We’re focussed on reinforcing our strong position as a great place to invest, work and live, including the many leisure and tourism destinations.”

The county council is working in partnership on significant projects around Lancashire. The most high-profile is the Eden Project North, a proposed major new attraction in Morecambe which seeks to reimagine the British seaside resort for the 21st century.

Another major scheme includes the Samlesbury Enterprise Zone, working closely in partnership with BAE to deliver over 2,000 jobs and up to 1.5m square feet of development space.

Recognising the importance of the zero-carbon agenda, the county council is working with partners to explore and deliver innovation opportunities at key strategic sites. At the Samlesbury Enterprise Zone, for example, 2,000 trees have already been planted and there will be work on a range of environmental and sustainable technologies.

Thousands of jobs and much-needed new industrial and logistics accommodation could also be delivered at one of the largest mixed-use employment sites in the North West next to the M65 at Bamber Bridge. Known as Lancashire Central, preparatory work at Cuerden is continuing to develop this site, working with developer partner Maple Grove Developments – part of the Eric Wright Group.

Through agreement with Lancashire Cricket Club, the county council will work to support the delivery of local, regional and national cricket in the county. As well as creating jobs and growth, it will increase the county’s appeal as a place to live and improve health and wellbeing.

This unique agreement will look to develop a second home for the club’s teams and bring together professional and amateur cricketers; and support the development of community and recreational sport in Lancashire.

Find out about the county council’s new job opportunities to deliver these major schemes at www.lancashire.gov.uk/jobs/major-projects/