Cabinet asked to approve ambitious investment and growth plan for Mid Cheshire
At the upcoming Cabinet meeting of 14 May, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet will be asked to approve a plan for Mid Cheshire, which presents a vision for investment and growth in the Mid Cheshire area.
The Mid Cheshire Plan is a 15-year strategy to bring more economic investment and development opportunities to Northwich, Winsford, Middlewich and the surrounding rural areas. This will build on previous public and private investment, accelerate regeneration schemes that will help to create successful places and build consensus amongst partners on delivering future economic growth by supporting businesses, and creating jobs.
The overarching aim of the Plan is ‘to draw together strengths, eliminate barriers to new investment, and make Mid Cheshire’s economy stronger, greener, and fairer’. It sets out a direction that businesses, organisations and groups can all get behind and provide benefits for the people who live, work and spend time in the area. It was developed in consultation with individuals from a wide range of private, public and third sector organisations.
The objective of the Plan is to guide future investment and development within the area and to involve public, private and community sectors working together to deliver it. The Plan will evolve over time in response to wider economic changes, but creates a strategic direction for the area, which is important as Cheshire and Warrington continue to progress towards a devolution agreement which will include plans for economic development for the region.
The Mid Cheshire area includes Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich and the surrounding areas, infrastructure and waterways that connect them. The inclusion of Middlewich within the Mid Cheshire area reflects a shared industrial heritage and strengths in advanced manufacturing, and places it at the heart of collaboration and joint working in Cheshire. Its proximity to the M6 corridor, the West Coast Mainline and connections to it and Crewe High Growth City also establish the area as a key gateway to the rest of Cheshire and beyond.
A governance board consisting of key representatives from a variety of organisations will be responsible for turning the plan into reality. The current Mid Cheshire Development Board has been disbanded and recruitment to the new board known as the ‘Mid Cheshire Partnership’ will begin in the coming months. It will be a business-led board driving forward the ambitions and actions for the area. It is also likely to include representatives from Cheshire West and Chester and Cheshire East Councils, health, education, housing, transport and the voluntary and community sector.
The Mid Cheshire Plan sets out a bold and ambitious 15-year vision for driving investment and growth in Middlewich, Winsford, Northwich and across the Mid Cheshire area. Mid Cheshire is already a fantastic place to live and work, and the Plan builds on that, by bringing together the economic ambitions of the area. Mid Cheshire towns and villages share a proud industrial history and heritage and already make a significant contribution to the Cheshire economy, but there is more work to do if we are to be recognised as a distinct area with unique opportunities. The Plan will help with this, building consensus and articulating a shared vision. It will help to attract economic investment, connectivity and development opportunities. It will accelerate regeneration schemes and build support amongst partners for the growth ambitions we all share. Mid Cheshire can’t afford to stand still, and councils cannot deliver the Mid Cheshire Plan alone – we will be working collaboratively with businesses, partners and communities to deliver it. I hope that Cabinet can support this positive vision for Mid Cheshire.
The Mid Cheshire Plan will help to drive economic growth and investment in our area. It aims to make the best of the assets and heritage we currently have and offers a guide for future development. I’m excited to get the input of local businesses, and colleagues from the public and voluntary and community sectors so that we can work together to continue to make Mid Cheshire a fantastic place to live, work and spend leisure time for people living in the area and beyond.