UK and Scottish governments and Falkirk Council have agreed a package that could create up to 1,660 jobs and £628 million worth of economic benefits over the next 10 years. The agreement means 11 projects can be taken forward, including: the development of a Carbon Dioxide Utilisation Centre and a Bioeconomy Accelerator Pilot Plant in Grangemouth; and a Skills Transition Centre at Forth Valley College, Falkirk.
The £80 million ‘Growth Deal’ is jointly funded by the UK and Scottish governments and is complemented by a further £10 million from the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero for future energy related projects in Grangemouth, and £10 million allocated to the Greener Grangemouth programme from the Scottish Government; and with Falkirk Council investing £45 million and Scottish Canals £3.7 million, the overall Growth Deal investment is £148.7 million.
Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister of Scotland and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic said: “The Falkirk and Grangemouth region has a rich history with a strong industrial heritage, a proud community and significant tourist attractions. The Scottish government’s £50 million investment will deliver projects to ensure the area continues to thrive, bringing jobs, active travel links, future skills training and new arts and cultural spaces.
“The Growth Deal will support the region to grasp the opportunities of the transition to net zero and remain at the forefront of innovation and manufacturing in Scotland, complemented by a community-led programme of projects in Grangemouth.”
Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland, said: “The signing of this deal, which shows our commitment to the Falkirk and Grangemouth area, is part of the £1.4 billion the UK Government is investing in Scottish growth projects over the next decade. Growth is a key mission for the UK Government and a top priority of the Scotland Office. Our funding, coupled with investment from the other partners, will drive renewal and generate more than 1,000 jobs and hundreds of millions of pounds of economic benefits for these communities.”