£14 Million For New Jobs And Homes In Essex

29 January 2015, 06:47 | Updated: 29 January 2015, 06:55

money

Essex is to get a £14 million funding boost which will go towards creating thousands of new jobs and homes.

The money is part of a £46.1 million pot from the Government given to the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

It is going to be spent on three major projects:

£3.2 million is going towards the "high end business park" which is planned for land near Southend Airport, and will create more than 850 new homes and up to 2,600 new jobs.

£10 million is being spent on travel improvements to Chelmsford city centre, improving flow and access, reducing congestion, and encouragin cycling and walking. In turn it is hoped this will lead to more than 1,500 new jobs and nearly 1,800 jobs.

£800,000 is also being spent on a flood protection scheme in Chelmsford which will protect more than 1,000 businesses and homes, and enable 800 new jobs and 250 homes to be created.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Infrastructure, said: "This money is a welcome boost for the economy of Essex. The three projects we have been successful in bidding for will have a huge positive impact on people in Essex.

"The money for the Southend and Rochford Joint Area Action Plan will help kickstart progress on a major new business park at the London Southend Airport which will deliver jobs across Essex and make the county even more attractive to businesses.

"The Chelmsford City Growth Area funding will boost the regeneration of Chelmsford City centre, helping us to unlock potential and opportunity of the city centre which will result in new jobs and homes.

"Also in Chelmsford, the flood alleviation scheme will protect houses and businesses providing valuable security which is vital for a prosperous economy.

"We will work with our partners in these projects to make these schemes reality. They are further proof that Essex means business."

Peter Jones, South East LEP Chair, said: "This Growth Deal is a huge boost for the South East Economy - through our Deal with Government almost half a billion pounds is now to be invested in local growth, supporting projects of national significance and of real importance to local areas, bringing new jobs, businesses and homes.

"This funding builds on the earlier investment announced for transport infrastructure, reaches right across the South East from the Thames Gateway to our coastal towns and attracts new private sector support. By recognising the development of our SEFUND investment fund, it also offers the opportunity to fund future growth in new and different ways.

"SE LEP has taken huge strides in recent months; our excellent businesses and councils across East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Medway, Southend and Thurrock are working together to make the South East the place for business and growth."

The money is allocated for 2016/17, but planning work has already started on these schemes.