Fast Facts - Economic Development Programme

Five Point Plan

We are following a programme which focuses on:

1. Business - supporting local firms and attracting new companies to the area
2. Education - helping to improve education standards and expanding higher education
3. Urban renaissance - creating new architecture, public spaces and buildings including business premises, education facilities and homes
4. Broadband - helping companies make best use of the latest Internet technology
5. Transport - lobbying for improvements to the road, bus and rail networks.

A core focus of this programme is helping businesses to succeed - attracting new firms to the area, helping local companies to start and grow and working to ensure the overall local economy thrives. To do this, we are creating a range of high quality business properties and we provide support services, advice and links into industry networks.

Additionally, the University Centre Hastings and the FE College provide commercially-focused courses ensuring the local workforce continues to develop the skills successful businesses need.

Investment

Our programme is receiving considerable investment from the government and private sector.

It is estimated that £400 million of public and private money will be invested into the area by 2012.

Over £90 million of government money has already been committed, with a further £65 million allocated to a new further education college. On top of this, nearly £150 million has been earmarked for road improvements to the A21 and plans are well under way for a £47 million link road between Hastings and Bexhill.