The investment, spearheaded by the Mayor of the East Midlands through the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), allocates over £43 million towards projects that stimulate economic growth. An additional £23 million is designated to facilitate the development of new homes in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire.
Initiatives funded by this investment span a wide range, including the repurposing of brownfield sites, the regeneration of town centres, the development of business and employment areas, and the support for local enterprises and emerging industries.
This funding is part of a larger £320.8 million commitment by EMCCA across 25 programmes covering skills, transport, housing, economic growth, community development, and environmental initiatives.
Mayor Claire Ward stated, “We need more homes people can afford, good jobs and opportunities for local businesses to grow. Our investment is helping bring forward the sites and projects that can make a real difference to communities across the East Midlands.” She emphasised that investment would be tailored to local needs, whether that involves repurposing industrial sites, revitalising town centres, preparing land for new homes, or creating space for business expansion.
The £23 million allocated for new homes includes nearly £10 million from the Brownfield Housing Fund, which supports the preparation of previously developed land, including sites that are challenging or expensive to develop. Projects are receiving support in Chesterfield, Mansfield, Newark, Warsop, and Nottingham. A further £11.4 million will contribute to new homes, including enabling works for sites in Derby city centre and the Broad Marsh scheme in Nottingham.
Additional projects benefiting from investment include Newark Castle, Stapleford Pencil Works, and Ashbourne Reborn. Business and employment sites receiving funding encompass Infinity Park Derby, Ashfield Automation Park, and the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) near Staveley.
These projects align with six key growth areas identified in EMCCA’s Corporate Plan, reflecting the diverse economies and opportunities within the region. These areas focus on urban centres, former mining and industrial communities, rural areas, and locations with potential for clean energy industries.
The £66 million investment is part of a broader programme supporting the Corporate Plan’s ambitions in growth and opportunity, green growth and environment, skills, connected communities, homes and place, and health and wellbeing. A recent delivery report, reviewed by the EMCCA Board on Monday 12 October, detailed progress on 248 projects valued at £370.2 million.
Of the total projects, 187 have been approved and contracted, representing £320.8 million in committed EMCCA investment. Another 32 projects are nearing the end of their assurance phase and are expected to commence delivery soon. EMCCA is also developing plans for enhanced performance reporting and an interactive online map to showcase funded projects across the East Midlands.
