Aberdeen City Region Deal launched

The Aberdeen City Region Deal was launched today with the official signing of the £250million agreement.

The terms of the deal commit both the UK Government and Scottish Government to jointly investing up to £250m whilst Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and local partners are committed to investing up to £44m over the next decade.

The 10-year deal paves the way for investment in innovation, internationalisation, digital connectivity and infrastructure across the region.

It is designed to act as a catalyst for economic growth and diversification, with partners announcing that estimates suggest the Aberdeen City Region Deal’s total value could be up to £826m once private sector and other investment is factored in.

UK Government Minister Lord Dunlop and Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Jobs and Fair Work, were joined by Aberdeen City Council Leader Councillor Jenny Laing, Aberdeenshire Council Co-Leader Councillor Richard Thomson and Opportunity North East Chairman Sir Ian Wood to sign the landmark document.

Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Keith Brown said:

“The signing of the Aberdeen City Region Deal sends an unequivocal message that the Scottish Government is committed to boosting the north-east economy, and cementing Aberdeen’s reputation as one of the world’s leading cities for business and industry.

“This multi-million pound deal will support Aberdeen’s position as a global oil and gas hub, and it’s fantastic to see the first tangible results of our investment through funding for The Oil and Gas Technology Centre which will help companies develop new products and processes that can reduce costs in the sector.

“On top of our £125m contribution to the Aberdeen City Region Deal we are also investing up to £254m to support transport, housing and digital initiatives as we recognise that supporting key infrastructure in the north-east is crucial for driving future growth in Scotland.”

The Aberdeen City Region Deal encompasses a number of projects. It will support The Oil & Gas Technology Centre, a digital infrastructure fund and the proposed expansion of Aberdeen Harbour. A Bio-Therapeutic Hub for Innovation, Agri-Food and Nutrition Hub for Innovation and a Strategic Transport Appraisal are also part of the programme.

These projects are collectively estimated by the deal partners to be capable of delivering annual Gross Value Added (GVA) increases of £260m across the Aberdeen City Region, £222m in Scotland and £190m in the UK.

The partners also estimate the deal has the potential to create an average of 330 new jobs per year in the region, aggregating to 3,300 new net jobs over its 10-year lifespan. It could also generate additional annual tax revenues to the Government of £113m from income tax, national insurance, VAT and oil tax revenues.

The Aberdeen City Region Deal agreement was developed over the last two years as a partnership between the UK Government, Scottish Government, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Opportunity North East, Scottish Enterprise and other local partners. It is governed by a Joint Committee of representatives from Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and Opportunity North East. For further information visit www.abzdeal.com.

UK Government Minister Lord Dunlop believes the deal will foster growth in the North East:

“The £250m Aberdeen City Region Deal will make a huge difference to the region’s economy, helping to boost jobs and prosperity. It is great news that we are signing the deal today, meaning we can get on with driving growth in the economy of north-east Scotland.

“A key part of the deal is to support innovation and diversification in the oil and gas industry, which is why the technology centre is so crucial. I am very pleased this week that the UK and Scottish governments have been able to release the first £4m of funding, which will enable The Oil & Gas Technology Centre to begin its important work.”

Aberdeen City Council Leader Councillor Jenny Laing said:

“The signing of the Aberdeen City Region Deal marks the final stage in the process of bringing the deal to fruition – but also marks the beginning of a long-term programme designed to make a positive impact on our region and its economy, bringing benefits now and for generations to come.

“Aberdeen City Council is driving unprecedented transformation in our city and the projects supported by the deal will have an important part to play in our vision. We are in the midst of delivering ambitious £1billion capital programme which will improve opportunities for individuals and businesses in Aberdeen, whilst providing a solid foundation for the region as a whole.

“Innovation and diversification are at the heart of Aberdeen City Council’s plans and both of those qualities run through the City Region Deal’s themes. We are already established on the world stage but must work hard to build on that position – and the evidence of that commitment to progress can be seen throughout the city.

“Our City Centre Masterplan and Strategic Infrastructure Plan are just two examples of the way in which we are creating positive change, but we recognise Aberdeen City Council cannot act alone. We must embrace the opportunities presented by the City Region Deal and look forward to delivering projects which will ensure the maximum return for the £250m of funding it brings.”

Aberdeenshire Council Co-leader Councillor Richard Thomson said:

“Today is a significant day. We have now put pen to paper on one of the biggest opportunities that this region has seen and it is hard to overstate the importance of this.

“I have confidence that it will provide opportunities for people living right across Aberdeenshire and today we can begin to unlock the money and start to see some real tangible benefits.

“In my speech this morning, I touched on infrastructure, an issue which unlocks each and every element of the deal. Providing appropriate infrastructure is fundamental to our wider success and getting the region back onto a sure footing.

“It was a pleasure to witness this moment and I look forward to moving to the next phase.”

Opportunity North East Chairman Sir Ian Wood said:

“The City Region Deal is a strong vote of confidence from Westminster and Holyrood in the dynamism, resilience, innovation and growth potential of our key industries. The deal partners, along with the wider business community, share the Renaissance vision for our region of significant economic development in the next two or three decades to build a broad and vibrant economic base supporting high quality employment to take us past the North Sea oil era.

“Opportunity North East, which now has the support of many key local bodies and individuals, is making good progress. We have been instrumental in securing the £210m of innovation

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