The Borderlands Growth Deal has been signed today – a historic initiative led by the UK Government to bring over £450m into the region and create 5,500 jobs.
The deal brings together the Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Carlisle City, Cumbria, and Northumberland County councils, alongside the UK and Scottish governments.
One of the flagship initiatives of the Borderlands Growth Deal is a £10m investment in a feasibility study for the full reopening of the Borders railway to Carlisle.
Investment in digital connectivity will be a priority with a £16 million UK government investment to improve broadband and mobile phone coverage in the south of Scotland and a similar sum earmarked for the north of England.
A further £19 million from the UK government will capitalise on the popularity of mountain biking in the area. A Mountain Bike Innovation Centre in Innerleithen is planned which will test and manufacture the latest equipment, creating a world-class research centre and destination for the sport.
Coldstream will see the building of new business units and Hawick will benefit from the acquisition and servicing of land, as part of investment in business infrastructure.
The signing was attended by UK and Scottish Government ministers, as well as representatives of the participating council areas. Cllr Mark Rowley signed the deal on behalf of the Scottish Borders.
Shona Haslam, candidate for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale in May’s Scottish Parliament election said:
“I am proud of what has been achieved by local authorities throughout the Borderlands region.
“This deal will bring more tourists, create jobs for local people, and connect our region like never before.
“One of the key projects will create the world’s first Mountain Bike Innovation Centre in Innerleithen. £19m will be invested by the UK Government with another £18m coming from local partners.
“Our area is famous for its mountain biking with 7Stanes, and this will transform it to become a world leader.”
John Lamont MP said:
“The Borderlands is an interdependent region which relies on people and trade on both sides of the border. We share common challenges and this new deal means we will share common opportunity.
“The feasibility study into the completion of the Borders Railway is a very exciting initiative and part of the Borderlands Growth Deal. This £10m investment will be a key part of getting the railway reopened.
“It would be a truly transformational project for Hawick and Newcastleton, connecting them to transport hubs in Edinburgh and Carlisle.
“Our rural area suffers from poor digital connectivity, so it is great to see further investment. Currently, this holds many areas back from realising our full potential.
“I welcome the investment in business growth in our towns and villages like Coldstream which will see new business units built.”
Rachael Hamilton, candidate for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire said:
“The final signing off of the Borderlands Growth Deal is a significant step forward in bringing more investment to projects across the Borders and the wider South of Scotland region.
“The £452m deal agreed by the UK and Scottish Governments will fund projects such as Destination Tweed, the 100 mile trail from Moffat to Berwick, and the South of Scotland Skills and Learning Network, which aims to boost digital skills in young people.
“The Deal is designed to drive up productivity, increase the working age population and address digital exclusion, which are all crucial to ensuring the Borders is prepared for the future.
“When both Scotland’s governments work together, positive and constructive change can be brought to our communities”.
