City Region Deal project puts Stirling and Clackmannanshire at the heart of global mission
An ambitious package of work to support sustainable jobs, growth and inward investment is officially underway, following a high-profile launch event in Clackmannanshire yesterday [Thursday 11th November].
Scotland’s International Environment Centre (SIEC) will drive the creation of a net-zero regional economy across the Forth Valley, unlocking new opportunities for employment and skills development, as Scotland makes the transition to cleaner, greener ways of working.
The Centre, which will be based at Forth Valley College in Alloa, is the first project to be launched as part of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, with a combined investment of £22m from the UK and Scottish Governments, and additional funding from the University of Stirling and Clackmannanshire Council.
The City Region Deal is a £90.2m investment from the UK Government and Scottish Government in innovation and infrastructure that will drive inclusive economic growth throughout the region. Regional partners, including Clackmannanshire Council, Stirling Council, and the University of Stirling, will invest up to £123.8m, resulting in a Deal worth more than £214m, to be delivered over the next 10 to 15 years.
At the launch event on Thursday, Ministers heard how the initiative will support community wealth building through nurturing genuinely inclusive models of economic growth and skills development, supporting efforts to reduce poverty and inequality through pioneering new technologies, products, and services as part of the green economy.
SIEC builds on the University of Stirling’s global reputation for environmental science, and the Forth Valley’s established status as a hub for environmental and conservation activity in Scotland. Through bringing together academic researchers with partners from industry, government and the local community, the Centre will position the protection and enhancement of our natural resources as an enabler of economic prosperity and wellbeing.
UK Government Minister for Scotland, Iain Stewart MP, said: “This new centre will contribute to green ambitions around the world while unlocking local employment opportunities and assisting community development in Stirling and Clackmannanshire. The UK Government's £5m support for this project is part of £1.7bn we are investing right across Scotland to level up communities and build back better from the pandemic."
Posted On: 12/11/2021
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