Cumbria is set to play a leading role as the “engine” of the Government’s Northern Powerhouse initiative, say experts from the global infrastructure firm AECOM. 

US-based AECOM became part of the Nuclear Management Partners consortium that operates Sellafield when it acquired URS last year. 

It has also been commissioned by Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership to draw up an infrastructure plan for the county to support economic, employment and housing growth. 

AECOM’s economic development team has been looking at the potential Cumbria offers. Bob Perkins, technical director – economics for AECOM, believes many outside the county have underestimated its contribution. 

He said: “With most focus [of the Northern Powerhouse] being directed at the major cities an axis from Liverpool to Newcastle, there is little mention of other areas in the north, particularly Cumbria. 

“Cumbria’s often overlooked role underpins the Northern Powerhouse with a real investment pipeline of at least £25bn in the next 10 years in sectors including energy, advanced manufacturing, defence and tourism.” 

Specifically, AECOM cites: Energy, from NuGen’s planned Moorside nuclear power station at Sellafield to a tidal lagoon off the Cumbrian coast near Workington; BAE Systems in Barrow building the submarines to carry the successor to the Trident nuclear deterrent; A tourism sector predicted to grow at an annual rate of 3.8 per cent, out-performing the UK economy as a whole. 

Mr Perkins added: “AECOM supports the proposed Cumbria devolution deal and is helping the region develop its own infrastructure plan. 

“This will position Cumbria as the engine of the Northern Powerhouse and ensure that the co-ordinated investment delivers benefits for residents, businesses and visitors alike. “The investment in infrastructure and a solid devolution deal brings Cumbria to the table as a key player in the Northern Powerhouse.” 

An announcement on a devolution deal for Cumbria is expected before Christmas. 

This could bring an elected mayor, a multi-million pound investment fund, new powers over skills and training, and greater control over transport, housing and planning. 

Mr Perkins’ comments echo those of James Wharton, the Minister for the Northern Powerhouse, when he visited Carlisle earlier in November.

Speaking at a Chamber of Commerce business breakfast, Mr Wharton said: “I want to send a clear message to the business community and people of Cumbria: you have huge potential. 

The investment going into this part of the UK in the next couple of decades is going to be vast. “You have a uniquely diversified economy and have a contribution to make to the Northern Powerhouse project.”