Wyre Council is pleased to support investment from the Enterprise Zone Business Rates Growth Reserve to help develop proposals for a new training centre at Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone.
This marks an important step towards addressing local skills shortages and creating new opportunities for residents and businesses.
Up to £40,000 from the Enterprise Zone Business Rates Growth Reserve will be invested in independent professional services to develop detailed proposals for the training centre. The investment will be provided through a grant agreement with Addison Academy, which will lead the next stage of the project.
The proposed training centre aims to strengthen the skills pipeline for local employers, helping businesses attract and develop the workforce they need while supporting residents to access high-quality training and career opportunities.
Addison Academy is a training and development provider based at Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone, delivering learning and skills support for businesses and individuals. The organisation is leading on the development of proposals for the new training centre.
Sophie Addison, Marketing and CSR Director at Addison Academy said:
"We are delighted that investment from the growth reserve will enable the next stage of this exciting project. The proposed training centre has the potential to create a world-class learning environment that supports local people in developing the skills employers need today and in the future. This investment will allow us to undertake the detailed work required to shape a robust and deliverable proposal that can bring long-term benefits to the Hillhouse Enterprise Zone and the wider Lancashire economy."
Councillor Peter Le Marinel, Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy and Economic Development for Wyre Council, commented:
"Developing the skills of our workforce is essential if we are to support business growth and attract further investment into Wyre. This funding will help us explore the potential for a dedicated training centre at Hillhouse, creating opportunities for residents and helping employers access the skilled workforce they need. We look forward to seeing the detailed proposals develop over the coming months."
The decision follows discussions at Cabinet, where members highlighted the challenges many organisations face in recruiting skilled staff and the importance of providing local people with opportunities to gain the skills needed for future employment.
The funding will be used to commission independent professional services to develop proposals for the training centre, with the findings helping to inform future decisions on the project's delivery.