Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick District Councils have launched a public consultation on a draft Economic Strategy for South Warwickshire. This Strategy will align and guide economic policies in South Warwickshire, seeking to create a stronger, greener economy within five years and align with the local plan currently being prepared to shape development until 2050.
The draft strategy sets out how the local councils will work with local employers and educational institutions and link with outside agencies, including government, for the broader benefit of the 488 sq miles that comprise the area of South Warwickshire.
At its heart are three themes - People, Productivity and Place - which comprise the main pillars of the South Warwickshire local economy. The strategy also identifies five key opportunity sectors - Automotive; Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries; Hydrogen; Bioscience and Agri-tech; and Digital Creative, which will not only drive economic growth but help to deliver on ambitious climate change targets.
The theme of People will seek to address the skills imbalance and improve the affordability of housing. Productivity will look to strengthen existing economic sectors, de-carbonise the existing South Warwickshire economy and attract new sectors to diversify the local economy. Finally, Place will prioritise improving infrastructure provision, increase the vitality of high streets and town centres, promote the economic value of artistic and cultural assets and ensure the adequate supply of employment land.
The key sectors reflect where there is already strong presence and important links in South Warwickshire. The automotive, EV batteries and Hydrogen sectors are already making significant contributions to bringing about reductions in emissions, forming one of the UK's leading low carbon transport technology clusters.
The bio-science and Agri-tech sectors recognise how much of South Warwickshire's land is used for agricultural purposes and the long-standing presence of bioscience research in Warwickshire while the digital creative sector will seek to strengthen in an area where, in Leamington "Silicon" Spa, the area already has one of the nations' leading clusters of businesses in that field.
The draft also recognises that the area has a strong tourism and hospitality sector and has outstanding attractions, with the local castles and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon making strong contributions to the local economy.
Take part
The consultation runs until 31 March 2023. Please enter your comments online:
If you'd prefer to print and fill in the consultation, you can download a PDF version here - SWES Consultation printable version.