Lincolnshire reveals finalists for new investment zones
Four sites shortlisted to boost jobs and growth across the county
Lincolnshire County Council has named four locations which could become the county’s first special investment zone – areas with tax breaks or other incentives to boost growth and create new jobs. The shortlist could be sent to government for approval the next time candidates are requested.
The four sites in the running are:
Lincoln Defence Innovation Campus
This four-hectare site in Lincoln city centre is being expanded and is expected to be worth fifty million pounds when finished. It could support up to one thousand nine hundred jobs in science, technology and innovation.
Agricultural Growth Zone
Centred around the University of Lincoln’s Riseholme campus, this zone has become known nationally for agricultural technology. If chosen, the zone would stretch from Riseholme to Scampton and could create seven hundred and thirty-five jobs by twenty thirty-five.
A1 Corridor
Development land around the A1, one of the UK’s main transport routes, is seen as a major opportunity. This includes county council land at Spitalgate Level in Grantham, previously identified for a possible advanced manufacturing research and technology centre.
Former RAF Scampton
Plans for the former RAF base could transform it into an aerospace, business and tourism centre. Developers think it could create up to three thousand six hundred and twenty-five jobs and attract three hundred thousand visitors annually, bringing in around sixty-five million pounds.
Other sites considered but not shortlisted this time include:
North Hykeham Relief Road area
Teal Park in North Hykeham
Somerby Park in Gainsborough, near the STEP fusion project in Nottinghamshire
The council’s Growth Committee is set to approve the shortlist next week, with final submission dependent on future government criteria.