The Enterprise Zone Governance Committee met on Thursday 22 February 2024 to discuss the progress of various enterprise zones and the future governance of these zones. The committee noted progress reports for the Blackpool Airport, Hillhouse, and Samlesbury and Warton Aviation Enterprise Zones, and made decisions regarding the future governance structure of the enterprise zones.

Future Governance of Enterprise Zones

The committee discussed the ongoing transition of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and the future governance of the Enterprise Zones. Government guidance has indicated a need for a strong private sector voice in economic development policy, and discussions are underway regarding the integration of LEP functions within the new Combined Authority, which is anticipated to be operational by October. The committee agreed to establish interim arrangements while the new structure is finalised.

Key decisions made regarding future governance include:

• County Councillor Aidy Riggott will confirm with the Devolution Development Board that they are satisfied for the Enterprise Zone Governance Committee to report to them during the interim period and will clarify the reporting mechanism.
• The responsibilities of the current committee will be circulated to members.
• Opinions will be sought from officer teams working on the Enterprise Zones regarding the ideal composition of a body to govern these zones, with Andy Walker tasked to present a brief paper on this at the next meeting.
• Meetings of the current committee are scheduled for April, July, and October.
• County Councillor Aidy Riggott will share any significant developments in the governance structure with the committee as they arise.

Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone: Progress Report

Mark Harrison, Project Manager for the Enterprise Zone and Blackpool Airport at Blackpool Council, presented a private and confidential report on the progress of the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone. The report covered Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and milestones, risks, the Masterplan and Delivery Plan, project management, fiscal incentives, current activities, social value and environmental initiatives, the Blackpool Town Deal, Squires Gate Industrial Estate, planning applications, communications infrastructure and marketing, Blackpool Airport, and estate management.

The committee noted the report. A request was made to amend the table showing enquiries in the update reports for each Enterprise Zone. This amendment will include information on whether a prospective tenant is new to Lancashire or already based within the county, to better assess the likelihood of conversion to tenancy. A notional target for occupancy or commitment will also be included to provide a clearer picture of expected timescales. These updated tables will be circulated to the Board.

Hillhouse Enterprise Zone: Progress Report

Mark Harrison also presented a private and confidential report on the Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone. The update included information on activities since the last meeting, achievements to date, KPIs and milestones, risks and actions, the Delivery Plan, the Getting Building Fund, residential development, the Fleetwood/Poulton Rail Line, marketing efforts, the Hydrogen Project and Steering Group, the Vinnolit site, new companies on-site, job creation, and estate management.

The committee noted the report. Discussions also focused on the hydrogen project and its potential to export energy to the National Grid. It was suggested that providing figures on the project's enablement and its impact as a net energy exporter could aid engagement, and this information will be included in the next report.

Samlesbury Innovation Hub - Progress Update

Andy Walker, Head of Business Growth, presented a private and confidential report detailing the plans for the Innovation Hub at Samlesbury. The committee noted the report. A comment was made that marketing available space for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) from the outset would be beneficial to encourage their engagement with the project.

Samlesbury Aerospace and Warton Aviation Enterprise Zones: Progress Report

Chris Dyson, Strategic Development Programme Manager at Lancashire County Council, provided a private and confidential update on the Samlesbury Aerospace and Warton Aviation Enterprise Zones. For the Samlesbury site, the report included details on the site delivery programme for phase 2b, KPIs, financial updates, planning matters, commercial marketing agents, estate management, ancillary accommodation, marketing and communications, skills development, and social value. For the Warton site, the report covered updates on the Masterplan and strategic meetings between partners.

The committee noted the report. Further requests were made for Andy Walker to present a report at the February meeting detailing the intended scale, funding, and timescales for the proposed Innovation Hub. David Holmes was noted to be discussing a potential new end-user enquiry requirement with the Strategic Development Team at Samlesbury. The committee also requested that marketing for the Samlesbury site be concurrent with the site delivery programme and that key/outline estate management principles for both the Blackpool and Samlesbury Enterprise Zones be included in future reports. Additionally, the commercial masterplan/development framework for the Samlesbury site is to be shared visually at the February meeting.