D2N2 announces funding for wave of projects across the region

By Dom Stevens - 7 October 2020

D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire, has confirmed funding for seven projects across the region as part of its role of supporting the economy in particular in response to the economic downturn brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. This includes the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Project.

With over £5.75m awarded, the projects will create 462 jobs and support 3273 new learners across the whole of the D2N2 region including in places such as Chesterfield, Nottingham, Derby, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Newark, Ilkeston, and Eastwood.

Funding for each project comes from D2N2s Local Growth Fund allocation, a Government fund that enables D2N2 to invest in projects that benefit the local area and economy, supporting greater numbers of jobs, homes, and learners.

The range of funded projects emphasises the breadth and range of interventions D2N2 has supported in achieving its aim of stimulating the local economy.

They include investments in digital infrastructure, new technology, and supporting the region’s towns in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

At £2.2m, the state-of-the-art community and activity village in Newark operated by YMCA Newark & Sherwood has benefited from the largest award of the wave with funding being used to enable social mobility in a district ranked one of the worst in the country for social deprivation.

The other six projects to be awarded funding from D2N2s Local Growth Fund allocation are:

Improvements to Chesterfield’s outdoor market and surrounding public space, as part of a programme referred to as Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield, funded in part by £650,000 from D2N2
A new research facility at the University of Derby benefiting from £850,000 and focusing on the effect that foods, vitamins, supplements, and drugs have on the human body
The Smart Wireless Innovation Facility (SWIFt) at Nottingham Trent University which has received £800,000 to add 5G connectivity and infrastructure to the University’s Clifton campus
The Automation and Robotics Centre at West Nottinghamshire College which will provide investment in skills for the future to meet the changing demands of local businesses and will benefit from a £670,000 investment
The refurbishment of Toll Bar House in Ilkeston to create new office space by Erewash Borough Council with and investment of £425,000 from D2N2
The construction of commercial space for SMEs at Mushroom Farm in Eastwood by Broxtowe Borough Council, in which D2N2 has contributed £160,000.

D2N2 Deputy Chair David Williams said: “To overcome an economic downturn of the scale we’re now faced with requires a truly united approach so I’m proud to have worked with partners from across the region to bring these projects to fruition.”

“The projects we’ve funded will help us to not only respond to the needs of today but also to enable our communities to thrive tomorrow by investing in new industries, new skills, and new technology.”