Marvin OnumonuMayor Steve Rotheram has set out a 10-year growth plan to add £10bn to the Liverpool City Region economy and create tens of thousands of jobs.
The Liverpool City Region Growth Plan aims to boost productivity, raise wages, and improve services for 1.6 million local residents.
If productivity matches the national average, it would add £6bn to the regional economy.
The plan targets growth in advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences, digital and technology, creative industries, maritime, business services and tourism.
There are also proposals for the world’s largest tidal power scheme and a focus on clean energy and green technologies.
The Growth Plan was put together with local authorities, businesses, universities, the voluntary and community sector, unions and Government.
It stresses the need for better skills, transport, housing, health and infrastructure to raise productivity.
The combined authority is using devolved powers and investments to strengthen the city region’s economy.
Rotheram said: “Nobody on the doorstep has ever asked me to explain my growth plan for the city region – but this document is possibly the most important strategic document we will ever produce.
“Our Growth Plan is a blueprint for a fairer, greener, more prosperous future – one where ambition, partnership and determination come together to create jobs, power homes with clean energy, and give every child the chance to reach their full potential here.
“I know the word ‘growth’ can often feel a bit abstract – it doesn’t mean much to ordinary people in their daily lives.”
Rotheram added: “What really matters is what growth means in practice. It’s about jobs you can build a life on, opportunities for your kids and grandkids, new homes you can afford to live in, investments in public transport and investment that brings prosperity back to our communities.
“This is our moment to show the country what we can achieve when we back ourselves, invest in our own future, and build the infrastructure for the next generation.”
Economic forecasts show the Growth Plan, with continued investment across the North, could add over £10bn to the economy and create tens of thousands of jobs.
The plan points to an £11bn investment pipeline, the Life Sciences Innovation Zone and LCR Freeport as key growth drivers.
Projects include the £550m Health Innovation Liverpool development, which will bring 2,200 jobs and deliver over £1bn in benefits, and the expansion of Daresbury’s cryo-plant to create a national cryogenics facility for quantum computing.
The region is also positioned for defence sector work with Cammell Laird and is aiming to lead on zero-bills home building.
The launch event took place at the Materials Innovation Factory, a partnership between the University of Liverpool and Unilever.
Professor Tim Jones, vice-chancellor at University of Liverpool, said: “As a global university rooted in our city and region, we are committed to driving the future prosperity of the Liverpool City Region.
“Through our research, education and innovation activities, we support innovation-led growth and create opportunities for people, businesses and communities.
“Our world-leading Materials Innovation Factory is a powerful example of how university–industry collaboration fuels innovation, delivers impact and drives economic growth.”
Jones added: “We look forward to working with our partners on this Growth Plan to make Liverpool City Region a powerhouse of research, innovation and enterprise.”
David Meyerowitz, chair of the Liverpool City Region business and enterprise board, said: “This Growth Plan is a bold and ambitious blueprint that reflects the scale of our aspirations for the Liverpool City Region.
“By focusing on innovation and accelerating growth in areas where we have genuine strengths, we’re unlocking the potential to add £10bn to our economy and create tens of thousands of high-quality jobs.
“Above all this is a collaborative effort, that will be good not just for business but for everyone, boosting innovation, driving growth and ultimately creating a better future we can all share in.”
Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities Miatta Fahnbulleh, said: “This bold Growth Plan shows exactly what devolution can achieve when local leaders are empowered to unlock their region’s potential.
“Liverpool City Region’s ambition to add £10 billion to their economy whilst creating tens of thousands of jobs shows how communities can drive national growth from the ground up – helping us move forward with our Plan for Change.”
Jay McKenna, regional secretary at TUC North West, said: “This Growth Plan represents a major step forward for working people across the Liverpool City Region.
“By focusing on creating tens of thousands of good, preferably unionised jobs, raising productivity, and ultimately improving public services, it offers a real opportunity to lift living standards and make a difference to the hard-working families of Liverpool.
“Crucially, it’s been shaped through genuine collaboration – unions, employers, and the public and private sectors will all play a role in its delivery.
“Together, we can build a fairer, stronger economy that works for everyone.”
Sue Higginson, director at the association of Liverpool City Region Colleges, said: “It is fantastic to be part of Liverpool City Region’s ambitions to transform living, learning and working.
“The role of our FE Colleges, as anchor organisations, is central to turning that ambition into reality, working with the city region, strategic partners and employers across all industry sectors, to achieve change and growth through skills.”
