After sustained efforts making the case to Government, Dr Neil Hudson MP has welcomed that the Conservative Government has listened and plans to back a more than £7 million proposal for a state-of-the-art Inspiring Eden Enterprise Hub to boost businesses in rural Cumbria.
The planned 3390 square metres of business space will be located by the Stoneybeck roundabout near Penrith on the A6 with direct connections to the M6.
Planned to house offices, workshops, studios, and collaborative spaces, the development is designed to attract some 80 businesses and more than 500 jobs which could generate an estimated £20 million of economic benefit in 10 years. This will allow small to medium sized enterprises affordable spaces in which to grow and thrive.
Dr Hudson has long championed the scheme, working in Westminster to make the case for the project and standing up in the House of Commons in January to urge Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Ministers to back the bid. You can watch that intervention here.
Announcing the measure in the House of Commons, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt referred to Eden having a "particularly effective" local MP (Dr Hudson), championing the project.
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
“Having delivered on the Prime Minister’s Promise to halve inflation by the end of the year – the Chancellor is building on this to bolster long-term economic growth. A decisive vision that I am proud to support.
“Locally, I’m delighted that after many months of persuading the Government of the scheme’s impact, Ministers have listened to me and approved more than £7 million for our planned rural enterprise hub in the heart of Eden.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to take full advantage of local talent, unlocking the economic potential of rural Eden and allowing entrepreneurs and business leaders alike to thrive.
“Put simply, our Conservative Government’s progressive Levelling Up Agenda will see massive benefits to local enterprises – cementing Penrith and Eden's place on the business map.”
