A blueprint for the health and prosperity of Kendal's economy will be considered at the next meeting of Cumbria County Council's South Lakeland Local Committee on Tuesday, 31st July.
The Kendal Economic Regeneration Action Plan has been drawn up by specialist consultants commissioned by several organisations including Cumbria County Council, South Lakeland District Council, Cumbria Vision and the North West Development Agency.
Members of the South Lakeland Local Committee will vote on committing £30,000 to help fund progress on the action plan, on authorising work for a marketing campaign for Kenfdal and on appointing a councillor to a new partnership board expected to drive the action plan forward.
The Kendal Regeneration Action Plan has been drawn up to address concerns about the town's economic performance.
A steering group of businesses and councils as well as other public and private sector organisations has worked with specialist consultants, Douglas Wheeler Associates, to produce the action plan designed help secure the health of the town's economy.
The plan sets out a ten-year vision identifying priorities and actions which will strengthen the local economy and examines how economic activity and initiatives can be integrated to give maximum impact and value for money. It makes the business case for investment in Kendal for politicians as well as for public and private sector organisations.
The next step is to bring together organisations capable of making the changes happen on the ground. The county council's South Lakes Local Committee will discuss the action plan and the next steps to be taken.
Kendal councillor Geoff Cook, vice chairman of the local committee and chair of the regeneration steering group, said: "There is plenty of food for thought here. What we must do now is make sure that the report is translated into action. The county council will work with its partners to find the money and leadership to help make that happen."
Kendal Economic Regeneration Action Plan and a proposed way forward also are due to be considered by SLDC cabinet on the 15th August.
David Sykes, head of Regeneration and Housing Services at SLDC, said: "Our cabinet will consider the plan on the 15th of August. Clearly there is real need to improve investment in the town's economy. This plan creates an opportunity and impetus to make that happen. Cabinet will be recommended to endorse the plan and agree what actions the council will take with partners to ensure its delivery."
The action plan was produced after extensive consultation and involvement with a wide range of businesses and residents as well as with public voluntary and private sector. A series of public workshops was also held.
The local committee agenda papers can be found at http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/CouncilMeetings/Content/Public/3031/39287102451.pdf
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Follow this link to view The Kendal Economic Regeneration Action Plan