Listed below are some key projects that the CDEP are involved in.
Single Programme Projects
The
Single Programme Investment Plan 2005-08 comprises priorities under the headings of
Business, People and Place. Key projects are included within these these headings under priorities which match the 9 investment programmes identified by One NorthEast in their Corporate Plan 2005/08, allowing far greater complementarity between regional and sub regional activity than has previously been achieved. The Partnership has identified high impact initiatives within its priority areas which are classified as being of regional significance. For these initatives the Partnership has requested additional resources from One NorthEast to assist their development. These initiatives are:
- NetPark - The North East Technology Park (NetPark) will be the hub for knowledge based businesses and activity in the County. The University of Durham has an internationally renowned research base, which it seeks to exploit to support activity at NetPark and the wider economic development of the County.
- Durham City Vision - it is envisaged that following the completion of the Durham City Strategic framework in 2005 that implementation of a range of projects will follow.
- Eastgate Cement Works - Following the closure of Eastgate Cement Works the Partnership has commenced feasibility work to assess the potential of the site to harness a range of renewable energy sources.
- Beamish Open Air Museum - the museum is highlighted with a view to it's further development to create a unique and internationally renowned attraction as a showcase of the NorthEast’s Cultural Heritage.
In all that the Partnership invests in, the plan identifies the cross cutting theme related to the development of a
knowledge economy, where information, knowledge and innovation are nurtured and exploited creating economic wealth and a virtuous circle of sustainable business employment growth in the County.
Under the Business heading, the Partnership will continue to support leading edge technology development through the University of Durham and the growth of both the research base and business development on NetPark. New technology and commercial opportunities arising from this programme, will then complement a programme around Enterprise. Under this heading we have identified the need for a fresh approach, aligned to a Regional Enterprise Strategy which better enthuses and inspires County Durham residents and creates a new generation of enterprising citizens. Finally, with an increasing stock of high growth businesses, the North East Business Support Network in County Durham will deliver a high quality, accessible business support service, under the Business Link brand and in line with the Regional Review of Business Support.
Under the People heading, the Partnership will carefully invest to complement a wider programme of entitlement to learning, being developed both nationally and regionally. A 14-19 programme is carefully aligned with the need within the County for skilled young people in a range of occupational sectors and specifically in the fields of Science and Technology, along with important vocational qualifications aligned to key sectors. Reflecting provision already planned around level 2, the second investment area supports higher-level skills development, particularly related to managers and technicians. Finally, for those that sit outside of the County’s labour market, the Partnership has an aspiration to be at the heart of regional and intra-regional (through the Northern Way) activity that seeks to address economic exclusion and worklessness.
Investment under the heading of Place can be divided into three areas. Firstly, and closely aligned with People and Business areas, the Partnership intends to invest both directly into the County’s rural areas including: the Market Towns, Eastgate and a range of tourism opportunities, and indirectly, ensuring that all our plans are rural proofed and that rural service delivery is co-ordinated and improved. Secondly, through investment in Tourism and Culture, again capitalising on existing assets, and looking for high impact new ideas and activity that supports the Regional Culture 10 Initiative. Finally, a regeneration programme, including: investment in business sites and premises, and the County’s Urban and Rural centres. Key opportunities are being re-enforced such as NetPark and Durham City.
