NWRC has welcomed a £100m investment announced for Causeway Coast and Glens that will include a new food innovation hub at the college’s Limavady campus.
The official launch of this landmark agreement will see £100m invested in the Borough over the next 10 years.
The formal signing of the Growth Deal, Heads of Terms agreement brought together influential leaders, dignitaries, and stakeholders to celebrate collaborative efforts towards sustainable growth and development. Notable attendees included the First Minister, deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Finance Minister underscoring the importance of this moment for our community.
The deal will see £36 million invested to support projects which build on the region’s digital and innovation capabilities, and will include a Food Innovation Hub at NWRC’s Main Street campus in Limavady.
Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive at NWRC said: “This announcement is welcome and positive news for the region. NWRC plans to expand on the Foodovation centre in our Strand Road campus to develop a centre of excellence in Limavady to support businesses to go to the next level. Our geographical reach in supporting businesses will extend into Tyrone and Mid-Ulster and up as far as the Causeway coast and Antrim.”
Patrick McKeown, Finance Director at NWRC said: “With the new innovation hub we will develop new courses in collaboration with the food industry to ensure their workforce is highly skilled and we will work closely with curriculum colleagues to ensure the new centre also provides a first class learning environment facilitating the development of an expanded curriculum.
“We will also work in collaboration with the proposed Business & Incubation Hub in Coleraine to ensure our clients can expand and grow developing their confidence and the confidence within their suppliers, customers and funders.”
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Steven Callaghan noted the importance of the investment for the future prosperity of the Borough and its citizens.
He stated: “Today’s event is the culmination of an enormous collective effort which began all the way back in 2019. Many institutions and individuals have contributed towards the development of a package of projects which represents the single largest Government investment in the Causeway Coast and Glens region.
“This Growth Deal also demonstrates Council’s commitment to collaborative working. Through a programme of regeneration, we aim to transform our tourism offering and address some of our infrastructural challenges. Our Deal’s innovative projects will bring new industry to our Borough, providing high-skilled, high-paid employment opportunities for our young people.
“This is just the beginning of our journey, and I would like to personally thank all of our delivery and funding partners for helping us get to this stage.”
First Minister, Michelle O’Neill MLA said it was a great opportunity to showcase the City and Growth Deals initiative.
She added: “This is one of four deals covering the whole of the north with £1.3 billion capital investment over the next 10-20 years. Our four City and Growth Deals have the potential to increase the number of good jobs, promote regional balance and raise productivity which is the driver of improving living standards.
"The deals are helping to create a more dynamic and competitive economy here. Importantly, the deals will have a positive impact on the quality of life for so many including our young people, our businesses, and the many visitors who flock to the Causeway Coast and Glens.”
Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly MLA reaffirmed the Executive’s support for the City and Growth Deals initiative.
She said: “The projects that will be delivered through this deal will help improve infrastructure, create employment opportunities and upskill the local labour force.
“The increase in key transport links will also attract more visitors to this beautiful area, creating even more opportunities for economic activity and further positioning Causeway Coast and Glens as a ‘go to’ area for business and tourism.
“This multi-million pound investment is a great example of government, business and academia working together to tackle issues and make a real difference.”
If you would like to read Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Heads of Terms document and find out which projects are being developed for your area, you can access it via https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/work/strategic-projects/growth-deal or watch our in-depth Growth Deal video at https://youtu.be/o7dkEPI6Cuw
