The current Growth Deal will see £47.7m invested in Cumbria up to 2021, with significant spending on various projects due to be completed in 2017.

Whilst the Growth Deal 3 allocation for Cumbria is expected to be lower than anticipated, there are additional opportunities due to come on stream for the county to access investment for flood resilience, transport improvements, business infrastructure and housing.

The Productivity Investment Fund announced in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement is to be spent on innovation and infrastructure, together with a housing infrastructure fund becoming available and additional investment in local transport networks and digital Infrastructure.

The economic growth opportunities for Cumbria are massive, as is its potential to make a significant contribution to the Northern Powerhouse and the UK economy as a whole. Cumbria LEP will continue in its role to make a robust case for additional government investment in the Cumbrian economy and to deliver the best possible economic development outcomes possible with the funding available to the county.

Projects that are on track to be substantially completed in 2017

• Advanced manufacturing training facility at Carlisle College

• Transport hubs at Workington and Maryport railway stations

• Optimising connectivity - sustainable transport improvements on the A591 corridor

• Highway improvements in Ulverston unlocking the Lightburn Road employment site

• First phase of Port of Workington access improvements, including a new road over railway bridge