Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage today welcomed the Minister for Housing, Kris Hopkins MP, to her constituency for a visit to the Daedalus Enterprise Zone.
Caroline and the Minister were joined by representatives from the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership and other key stakeholders for a tour of the site which took in the brand new CEMAST Skills Centre. The group then convened for a meeting to discuss the future of the Enterprise Zone, with particular reference to plans for the Waterfront area.
Whilst at the Enterprise Zone, the Minister announced confirmation of a £7 million investment which will be used to create a new spine road on the site, linking the CEMAST Skills Centre to the Waterfront area, facilitating the development of a vibrant new complex of commercial and leisure businesses. The funding package was initially announced by the Government in January, subject to an approved business case, following a successful bid by the Solent LEP.
Speaking after the Minister's visit, Caroline said:
"It was great to welcome Kris Hopkins to the Daedalus Enterprise Zone, particularly as he brought with him yet more good news for our area. The confirmation of further funding proves that Ministers are strongly backing the Solent region for success.
What with the new CEMAST Skills Centre nearing completion, the Innovation Centre going ahead and numerous other projects currently underway at Daedalus, the extended funding will really serve to propel the site's development, ensuring that it meets the potential it has to boost our local economy, create jobs and generate new skills."
Today's visit follows on from yesterday's announcement that the Solent LEP has been successful in its bid for government funding through the Local Growth Deal and will receive a total of £124 million to deliver the Solent Strategic Economic Plan.
Photo Credit - The Portsmouth News
