£23m is being invested in infrastructure in Bristol, Manchester, Great Yarmouth and Leicestershire as part of the government's 'Enterprise Zone' plans.

Local Growth Minister Kris Hopkins today announced the funding, which will be used to fund road, utility line and building construction.

Minister Hopkins announced the money on a visit to the MIRA Technology Park Enterprise Zone in Leicestershire.

"Enterprise zones are showing that our long term economic plan to secure a better future is spreading businesses, jobs and skills training across the country," he said. "Today’s cash injection will give four zones the raw ingredients to make their sites a stronger, more competitive business environment that will attract new jobs for hardworking local people."

-- Advertisement --

Since their introduction three years, ago enterprise zones have created over 9,000 jobs, attracted over 300 businesses and secured £1.2bn of private sector investment, according to the Department for Communities and Local Government.

The infrastructure investment will fund:

• Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone – awarded £6m for commercial development in an around the new city centre

• MIRA Technology Park Enterprise Zone – awarded £7.4m for the construction of a new spine and distribution roads with a roundabout to increase access to the Hinckley site

• Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft Enterprise Zone – awarded £3m to deliver 5,700 square metres of speculative office and industrial units, as well as road and utilities for Beacon Park, Great Yarmouth

• Manchester Enterprise Zone – awarded £6m to open up key sites to attract companies in the healthcare and medical technology sectors

(IT)