Northumberland County Council is all set to give its new development company the ‘green light’.
The organisation, called ‘Advance Northumberland’, will be launched in the autumn and aims to help the council improve the economy and provide more job options.
The council said the company’s key growth projects included developing investment zones in the south of the county and driving a ‘vibrant rural growth network’ in the principal towns in the rural parts of the county.
It also emphasised that, unlike the company’s predecessor, Arch, Advance Northumberland would focus all its efforts within the county.
‘As the only arms-length regeneration company in the North of the Tyne area with a broad skill base, we’re confident Advance Northumberland has a bright and positive future, and will play a key role in the wider regeneration of the region,’ said Nick Oliver, cabinet member for corporate services.
‘People can also be assured that all regeneration projects will be subject to a robust business case and funding appraisal, and take account of commercial return, regeneration impact and risk. This will not be a company that takes unnecessary risks with taxpayers’ money.
‘Subject to cabinet approval, over the coming weeks and months the transition process will continue, with staff transferring to the new company next month before an official launch in September.’
