Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage welcomed Eric Pickles to the Solent Enterprise Zone today as he announced over £25million in investment for the site.
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government joined the Solent LEP, council leaders and local businesses for the announcement, following an invitation from MP Caroline Dinenage.
At a press conference at the Daedalus-based company Marine Concepts, the Secretary of State confirmed that 1,200 jobs would be created through the investment package.
It is anticipated that more than £15m will be used to unlock 21.6 acres of land for the development of new commercial space and up to 90 new homes. The proposed investment would also support the development of 25,000 sq ft of new advanced manufacturing business space beside the airfield. It is estimated that the investment would create around 220 construction jobs and nearly 680 jobs when work is complete.
Following the visit and announcement, Caroline said:
"I was delighted that the Secretary of State accepted my invitation to come and see the fantastic work on the Solent Enterprise Zone for himself. With the significant investment package announced today, we'll see an even greater boost for local employment and infrastructure development."
The Secretary of State also announced proposals to invest £3m from the Growing Places Fund in Fareham College's proposals for a new advanced skills training centre on the site. If a £12m investment package is secured to deliver the proposed centre, it would provide specialist training for the advanced manufacturing sector, up-skilling employees of businesses on the site and securing the future of advanced manufacturing skills across the Solent.
Caroline said:
"Through this partnership with Fareham College, we'll deliver top quality skills training for the future. This will secure the Solent Enterprise Zone's place as a leading centre for advanced manufacturing in the long-term and enhance the prospects of young people in our local area."
