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Background

The development of the West Cumbria Spatial Masterplan was initiated by the West Cumbria Strategic Forum, which was set up in response to the challenges facing the area.

West Cumbria Strategic Forum

The Forum has been established to ensure that all bodies involved with regeneration in West Cumbria work together to meet the needs of the area. The forum has established Cumbria Vision as its lead partner to take forward the West Cumbria Spatial Masterplan project. The Forum was set up to consider the economic impact of nuclear decommissioning and cleanup at Sellafield, and to create a sustainable economy for West Cumbria. The establishment of the Forum and the preparation of the Spatial Masterplan is the first stage in an unprecedented push by central, regional and local government to improve the economy in West Cumbria and achieve a step change in performance for the area. The Forum is now chaired by Alistair Darling, Secretary of State for the Department of Trade and Industry.

The objectives of the West Cumbria Strategic Forum are to
Ensure a common understanding across all the key national, regional and local
stakeholders of the socio economic issues, opportunities and threats in West Cumbria
Stakeholders of the socio economic issues, opportunities and threats in West Cumbria
Establish innovative ways of working together in partnership by ensuring co-ordination across and between all levels of the Strategic Forum;
Agree a long term strategy and action plan (i.e. 2006 and beyond) to create a sustainable economy for West Cumbria that matches or exceeds the average economic performance in the North West region.
The West Cumbria Strategic Forum will
Consider all aspects of the needs of the West Cumbria (Allerdale and Copeland) community i.e. economic, social, educational and infrastructure but in particular take into account the impact and opportunities of nuclear decommissioning
Develop an adequate evidence base
Focus on the medium to long term
Build on current and future plans from central government, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and regional and local partners
Communicate its deliberations and recommendations both within Strategic Forum membership and externally in an open and consistent way; and - seek to ensure the provision of appropriate resources to implement the Strategic Forums recommendations.

The West Cumbria Strategic Forum includes nominated representatives from:

  • Department of Trade and Industry
  • Number 10
  • HM Treasury
  • Cabinet Office
  • Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
  • Department for Transport
  • Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
  • Department for Culture Media and Sport
  • Department for Work and Pensions
  • Department for Education and Skills
  • Home Office
  • Department of Health
  • Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
  • North West Development Agency
  • North West Regional Assembly
  • Cumbria Vision
  • West Lakes Renaissance
  • Rural Regeneration Cumbria
  • Cumbria Inward Investment Agency
  • Cumbria Learning and Skills Council
  • Business Link Cumbria
  • Cumbria Tourist Board
  • Cumbria County Council
  • Allerdale Borough Council
  • Copeland Borough Council
  • Business Sector
  • Trade Union
  • West Cumbria Strategic Partnership Chair
  • Jamie Reed MP
  • Tony Cunningham MP

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Operational Group

An Operational group has been established to steer the project. Representatives from the following organisations are within the group:

  • Allerdale Borough Council
  • Copeland Borough Council
  • Cumbria County Council
  • The North West Development Agency
  • The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
  • Cumbria Vision
  • West Lakes Renaissance
  • British Nuclear Group
  • Westlakes Research Institute

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Consultants - Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton have been appointed to prepare the master plan on behalf of Cumbria Vision. Their team is being led by Grant Thornton Partner Karl Eddy and consists of a dedicated team including economists and sector specialists. For more details of Grant Thornton, see www.grant-thornton.co.uk

Grant Thornton are supported by technology consultants Quotec and strategic energy advisors Lumis. Experian Business are providing economic modelling input and are forecasting a range of potential scenarios. Steer Davies Gleave are advising on transport and physical infrastructure elements of the project.

More details on these companies can be found at:

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Working Groups

Six working groups have been established to discuss the key issues and topics that the Masterplan must take into consideration.

These working groups have been organised according to the following themes:

  • Energy and Technology
  • Business and Enterprise
  • Skills and Knowledge
  • Physical Infrastructure
  • Tourism
  • Social Infrastructure

The working group meetings were held in the early stage of the project to discuss key issues and highlight priorities for further work within the development of the Masterplan.

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Consultation - Meetings and Feedback

What would you like to see for West Cumbria? We urge you to submit your views on the future for the region.

A Consultation Document has been produced, which outlines our initial thinking on the projects that are needed to secure the region's future. This Document can be downloaded below, and we urge you to answer the questions found in this document.

Consultation Document

To inform the Masterplan, we have already been speaking to local people. A series of initial public consultation meetings have been held.

These meetings have attracted a lively debate on the region's future

"The major challenge is finding jobs for people who will be losing their jobs."
"We must keep young people in the area, and even attract new young people. Can the University of Cumbria do this?"
"My vision is a place that is at ease with itself and the outside world; where there is the confidence and capability of taking on future challenges and opportunities."
"West Cumbria must become more "fashionable"."
"Without the infrastructure nothing will happen."
"I want West Cumbria to be thought of as West Cumbria NOT Allerdale and Copeland."
"Ecological based tourism should be part of our 20 year vision."
"Better train services are a priority - there is a large elderly population that doesn't drive"
"I want to see a dry ski slope at Ennerdale".
"I like West Cumbria the way it is and don't want any major change."

To read more about what people at these meetings thought, have a look at the attachments below:

Do you agree/disagree with these comments, or have further comments?

Please submit your views via email to westcumbria@cumbriavision.org.uk

  • What sort of place do you want West Cumbria to be in 20 years?
  • What projects or improvements do you want to see delivered?
  • Which projects or improvements are most important?
  • What else would you like to see in our plan?
  • Where do you live and what would you like to see for your local town or area?

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