Last updated 16:01, Wednesday, 23 July 2008

A £2 BILLION regeneration initiative that hopes to transform West Cumbria into Britain’s ‘Energy Coast’ was launched this week.

John Hutton, secretary of state for business, enterprise and regulatory reform, launched the Energy Coast Masterplan on Wednesday, July 23.

The Masterplan, a package of regeneration projects including the National Nuclear Laboratory and the expansion of the University of Cumbria into West Cumbria, is expected to create 16,000 jobs and boost Cumbria’s economy by £800 million.

It will build on the area’s global expertise in nuclear whilst diversifying into other energy technologies such as tidal and off-shore wind.

It is thought the projects will attract a new generation of nuclear power reactors to the Sellafield site, a new £10 million acute hospital, investment to transport links worth £300 million and leisure, culture and sporting facilities.

Mr Hutton MP said: “I am delighted to have been invited to launch the Energy Coast Masterplan – an ambitious plan to secure long-term prosperity of this area by building on the region’s world-renowned nuclear know-how.

“The Masterplan will bring together the skills and ambition of West Cumbria, and deliver a significant boost to investment and jobs.”