Local authorities across the Midlands will benefit from a new digital map which will identify the best investment and regeneration opportunities across the area.
The Midlands Engine Partnership and the Geospatial Commission will receive £1.5m from the Government to develop the map using existing public and private sector data linked to location.
The data will cover infrastructure, local services, housing and other developments.
The Government says the map will allow for ‘better, faster and more informed decisions’ around health, education, housing, trade and tourism.
‘By opening up this valuable data to both investors and developers we will create greater opportunities across the Midlands in vital areas like housebuilding,’ said the exchequer secretary to the treasury, Robert Jenrick.
‘Through the harnessing of this data, we are encouraging both public and private sectors to work in smarter, more joined-up ways that will create jobs, boost productivity and grow the economy here in Derby and across the Midlands.’
Midlands Engine chairman Sir John Peace said: ‘This really is great news for everyone in the Midlands Engine Partnership. This will fund an invaluable one-stop digital map for local authorities that will allow them to work much faster and more efficiently.
‘At the Midlands Engine we have committed to supporting the build of 600,000 new homes in the next 15 years. This is an ambitious target and the tool will support local authorities by giving them the information that they need to identify suitable development sites and work in a more joined-up way.
‘The mapping tool will also allow faster and more informed decisions with ready access to maps of utilities, surgeries and educational establishments.’
