The framework has, to date, been used to assess around 30 of the projects submitted as part of the Growth Plan. These projects range from early-stage concepts to near-delivery initiatives and are shown in the next table.
The pipeline summary includes both transformational and other regionally and nationally significant projects, offering a diverse mix of interventions aimed at delivering inclusive, place-based growth across the county.
Sectoral drivers of growth
(see Section 2 of the Growth Plan)
Sector priority 1 - UK security and resilience
Lancashire is a national leader in defence, cyber, and nuclear capabilities. It's strengths in advanced manufacturing, digital security, and sustainable rural industries underpin the UK’s wider security and resilience agenda.
| Project name | Foundation for growth | Lead organisation | Location | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secure by Design |
Skills for growth and inclusion Innovation excellence |
North West regional defence and security cluster | Lancashire-wide | A project aimed at strengthening cyber resilience across the defence and security supply chain |
| Greenhouse Innovation Consortium | Innovation excellence |
Edge Hill University Pilkington Glass C WLDC |
West Lancashire | A collaborative initiative to advance greenhouse technologies supporting food resilience and sustainable agriculture |
| Rural Innovation Centre | Innovation excellence | Myerscough College | Wyre | A centre focused on sustainable farming, workforce development, and agricultural innovation |
| Farms Empowering Futures |
Skills for growth and inclusion Innovation excellence |
Myerscough College | Wyre | A programme expanding agricultural education and skills, including robotics and farm-to-fork innovation |
Transformational projects
(see Appendix A in the Growth Plan)
Samlesbury Enterprise Zone and Innovation Hub: Adjacent to BAE Systems and home to the AMRC North West, this site supports advanced engineering, manufacturing, cyber, and robotics. It anchors a wider innovation ecosystem, including the National Cyber Force and regional cyber clusters.
Warton Enterprise Zone and the University of Lancashire Altitude Facility: This future aviation and space technology cluster hosts one of Europe’s largest indoor UAS testing environments. It supports the development of next-generation aerospace, defence, and cyber technologies, driving regional STEM talent development and attracting international investment.
Sector priority 2 - Clean growth and nuclear
Lancashire plays a central role in the UK’s clean growth ambitions, with nationally significant assets in nuclear energy, low-carbon innovation, and clean technologies. Its full-lifecycle nuclear expertise and skilled workforce position the county as a key driver of clean growth..
| Project name | Foundation for growth | Lead organisation | Location | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RedCat | Innovation excellence | ELCoC | Lancashire-wide | Helps businesses bring low-carbon technologies to market, positioning Lancashire as a clean growth leader |
| Hillhouse Energy Infrastructure | Infrastructure and place transformation |
LCCA | Wyre | Develops energy and waste systems to support net-zero goals and local business needs |
| Offshore Wind Farms and Gateway for Clean Energy Project | Infrastructure and place transformation | TBC | Fylde Coast | Links regeneration with offshore wind to boost clean energy and long-term economic benefits |
| Gigafactory Proposition | Infrastructure and place transformation |
LCCA Lancashire Energy and Low Carbon Sector Group Northern |
TBC | Explores potential for an EV battery Gigafactory, leveraging regional strengths in HGV and logistics |
| Hydrogen Pathway: MESH / Hydrogenous HAR2 | Infrastructure and place transformation | Blackburn and District Trades Union Council | Blackburn | Proposes hydrogen and gas storage using repurposed offshore infrastructure |
| Heavy Goods Vehicle Supply Chain |
Business growth and enterprise | DAF-Leyland Trucks | Lancashire | Builds a zero-emission HGV supply chain using battery and hydrogen technologies |
| TidalPower: The Wyre Barrage | Infrastructure and place transformation | Natural Energy Wyre Limited | Wyre | Plans a £200m tidal barrage to generate clean hydro-electric energy |
| Green Skills | Skills for growth and inclusion | Blackburn College | Blackburn with Darwen | Expands training in hydrogen, plumbing, electrical, and construction to support green industries |
Transformational projects
(see Appendix A in the Growth Plan)
Heysham Nuclear Power Stations: Operated by EDF, these coastal stations are vital to the UK's energy mix and future nuclear investments, including new reactor technologies, grid stability, and clean hydrogen production.
Springfields Site (Westinghouse UK): Located near Preston, this site is crucial for nuclear fuel manufacturing and supports the development of HALEU for next-generation reactors. It is central to the UK's nuclear supply chain and export strategy.
Sector priority 3 - Sustainable digital and artificial intelligence
Lancashire is home to a growing digital ecosystem, with strengths in AI, cyber, and data infrastructure. These capabilities support innovation across sectors and position the county as a hub for sustainable digital growth.
| Project name | Foundation for growth | Lead organisation | Location | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillhouse Clean Energy C AI Data Centre | Infrastructure and place transformation |
Fylde Coast Energy | Wyre | Develops AI-driven data centre and secures investment in SMRs to support net zero |
| Lancashire Digital Hub | Business growth and enterprise | Lancashire Digital Hub | Lancashire-wide | Supports digital start-ups and collaboration to grow the digital economy |
| Coding Clubs Programme | Skills for growth and inclusion | Pendle Council | Pendle | Provides digital skills training for young people and adults via local partnerships |
| Digitisation, Cyber and AI in the Workplace | Skills for growth and inclusion | Blackburn College | Blackburn with Darwen | Offers short courses in digital, cyber, and AI to address workforce skills gaps |
Transformational projects
(see Appendix A in the Growth Plan)
Blackburn Cyber Skills and Education Campus and Innovation Quarter: Part of a £250 million investment in Blackburn Town Centre, this development includes a high-quality office and teaching facility and a new cyber business centre. Positioned near the Samlesbury Enterprise Zone, it strengthens Blackburn’s role in the North West Cyber Corridor, connecting with major business clusters and health innovation hubs.
Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone and Silicon Sands: This zone drives economic regeneration and innovation on the Fylde Coast, supporting aviation, energy, digital, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Silicon Sands pioneering the concept of net-zero, sustainable data centres (powered by major offshore wind farms and solar power), leveraging immersion cooling technology and waste heat recovery with the potential to provide 1GW of Data Centre capacity with access to 3.4GW of Green Power, creating £14.3bn of GVA , 14,000 jobs and reducing fuel poverty creating a coastal innovation district focused on digital industries and clean growth, enhancing business space, skills programmes, and RCD activity with the potential to emerge as a leading AI Growth Zone.
Sector priority 4 - Advanced engineering and manufacturing
Lancashire’s world-class AEM sector drives productivity and exports through innovation in aerospace, automotive, and precision engineering. It is a cornerstone of the county’s industrial strength and future competitiveness.
| Project name | Foundation for growth | Lead organisation | Location | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watchtower 3 |
Business growth and enterprise Innovation excellence |
Watchtower C BAE |
Lancashire-wide | Supports AEM SMEs in adopting digital tools, diversifying markets, and developing low-carbon technologies through cross-sector collaboration |
| Manufacturing Business Growth Service |
Business growth and enterprise |
LCCA North West Aerospace Alliance Northern Aerospace |
Lancashire-wide | Drives transition to a circular, net-zero AEM supply chain through collaboration, carbon tools, bio-materials, secure data, and workforce upskilling |
| AMRC NW Additive Manufacturing Centre |
Innovation excellence |
AMRC NW Blackburn with Darwen Council |
Blackburn with Darwen | New research centre for additive manufacturing and 3D printing innovation |
| Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Skills Provision |
Skills for growth and inclusion | Blackburn College | Blackburn with Darwen | Investment in engineering facilities and training programmes co-designed with employers |
| Joining up Innovation Assets | Innovation excellence | LCCA | Area wide | Aligns revenue and capital programmes to scale innovation, attract investment, and maximise impact across Lancashire’s innovation ecosystem |
| AMRC Northwest Phase 2 |
Business growth and enterprise Innovation |
AMRC Northwest | Samlesbury | £40m+ expansion (~4,500m²) focused on sustainable manufacturing and MRO |
| AMRC Secure Facility |
Innovation excellence Business growth |
AMRC Northwest | Samlesbury | £50m+ secure facility (~6,500m²) for advanced manufacturing, electronics, and prototyping |
| Electronics Accelerator / Electech Cluster |
Innovation excellence | AMRC Northwest | TBC | Industrial research and prototyping facility supporting the electronics and electech sector |
| Robotarium |
Innovation excellence Manufacturing Health and |
AMRC Lancaster University |
TBC | Robotic and AI research and deployment facility to increase industrial robot density |
Sector priority 5 - Culture and tourism
Lancashire’s cultural assets and visitor economy offer significant potential for regeneration, job creation, and place-making. Strategic investment in this sector supports inclusive growth and enhances the county’s national and international appeal.
| Project name | Foundation for growth | Lead organisation | Location | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fleetwood Waterfront Leisure Masterplan |
Infrastructure and place transformation | Wyre Council | Wyre | Creates a family-friendly visitor attraction with leisure and cultural improvements |
| St Anne’s on Sea Masterplan | Infrastructure and place transformation |
Fylde Council | Fylde | Redevelops town centre areas to enhance leisure and year-round visitor experience |
| Hospitality | Skills for growth and inclusion | Blackburn College | Blackburn with Darwen | Upgrades hospitality training facilities and curriculum with modern equipment |
| Lancaster Canal Quarter Regeneration Scheme | Infrastructure and place transformation | Lancaster City Council | Lancaster | Transforms derelict sites into a vibrant area with housing, commerce, and better connectivity |
| Screen Strategy | Sector development and growth | Blackburn with Darwen Council | Blackburn | Positions Blackburn as a film hub through infrastructure and skills investment |
Foundations for growth
(see Section 4 of the Growth Plan)
Infrastructure and place transformation
Foundations for growth represent the enabling infrastructure, skills, and innovation platforms that support Lancashire’s sectoral priorities. These projects are essential to delivering inclusive, place-based growth and long-term resilience.
| Project name | Foundation for growth | Lead organisation | Location | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Fylde Line Passing | n/a |
Fylde Council Lancashire |
Fylde | Adds a passing loop to double train frequency from hourly to half- hourly |
| Whyndyke Farm Garden Village | n/a | Fylde Council | Fylde | Delivers 1,400 homes with a focus on health, education, and community |
| Cottam Parkway | Clean growth and nuclear |
Preston City Council Lancashire |
Preston | Improves station sustainability with EV chargers, solar panels, and green roof |
| Colne Bypass | n/a | Pendle Borough Council |
Pendle | Creates Junction 13A to unlock new sites and improve Yorkshire links |
| Skelmersdale Town Centre Masterplan |
Culture and tourism | West Lancashire Council | West Lancashire | Revitalises town centre, Glenburn site, and Tawd Valley with housing and green space |
| Bacup Town Centre Regeneration |
Culture and tourism | Rossendale Borough Council | Rossendale | Redevelops Bacup Market into a community hub with stalls and event space |
| Conference and Events Space Preston |
Culture and tourism Infrastructure and place transformation (Foundation for growth) |
Preston City Council | Preston | Develops new event spaces to enhance Preston’s cultural and business offer |
Transformational projects
(see Appendix A in the Growth Plan)
The following four transformational projects will underpin economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance quality of place:
- Preston Station Quarter – A major regeneration initiative focused on creating a vibrant, mixed-use district around Preston Railway Station, enhancing connectivity and economic activity
- Burnley Town Centre and Canalside Masterplan – A comprehensive plan to revitalise Burnley’s town centre and canalside, supporting retail, leisure, housing, and employment growth
- Strategic Rail Programme – A coordinated programme of rail infrastructure improvements to enhance east- west and north-south connectivity across Lancashire and beyond
- Talbot Gateway Skills and Education Campus (Multiversity) – A flagship development in Blackpool integrating education, business, and civic uses to support skills, innovation, and regeneration
Knowledge and innovation assets
Maximise the economic value of Lancashire’s research institutions, innovation assets, and globally competitive business clusters by fostering collaboration, commercialisation, and sector excellence.
| Project name | Foundation for growth | Lead organisation | Location | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancaster Innovation Campus | n/a | Lancaster University | Lancaster | New campus with office, lab, and co-working space to support business and academic collaboration |
| Pan Lancashire Innovation Collaboration Programme |
UK security and resilience Clean growth and nuclear |
Lancaster University | Lancashire-wide | Support for innovation in key sectors through SME collaboration and investment |
| Innovation Educators | n/a | The Lancashire Colleges (TLC) | Lancashire-wide | Specialist mentors to help SMEs innovate using college facilities and student engagement |
Business growth and enterprise
Modernise Lancashire’s business support ecosystem by enhancing the Boost Growth Hub, improving access to capital, and strengthening investor readiness across sectors.
| Project name | Foundation for growth | Lead organisation | Location | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyre Business Hub | n/a | Wyre Council | Wyre | Development of a sustainable commercial building offering business support, start-up space,and collaborative workspaces |
| Edge Hill Business Bridge |
All | Edge Hill University | West Lancashire | Expansion of SME centre to provide tailored training, expert advice, and mentorship for small businesses and sole traders |
Skills for growth and inclusion
Refocus skills provision to meet business needs and support an inclusive, future-ready workforce through industry-led training and strategic partnerships.
| Project name | Foundation for growth | Lead organisation | Location | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creative and Digital Skills Academy | Sustainable digital and artificial intelligence |
Edge Hill University | West Lancashire | Trains learners in coding, media, marketing, and design |
| Burnley College Future Skills Academy |
Clean growth and nuclear Sustainable digital and artificial intelligence Advanced engineering and manufacturing |
Burnley College | Burnley | Offers industry-led training in green, digital, health, and manufacturing |
| The Lancashire Graduate Offer | All | University of Lancashire | Lancashire-wide | Supports graduates with incentives, placements, and wellbeing services |
Health, wellbeing and inclusive growth
Invest in health innovation, support people back into work, and strengthen the role of civil society and the VCFSE sector.
| Project name | Foundation for growth | Lead organisation | Location | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State of Sector Research Project | n/a | Community CVS | Lancashire-wide | Establishes baseline data on the Civil Society / VCFSE Sector to guide future collaboration |
| Health Service Improvement Innovation Ecosystem | n/a | Edge Hill University | West-Lancashire | Drives healthcare innovation and efficiency through cross-sector collaboration |
| Place Partnership Activities | Culture and tourism | Active Lancashire |
Lancashire-wide | Utilises £10m Sports England funding to boost health and productivity |
| Lancashire and South Cumbria Health Innovation Ecosystem |
n/a | North and West Lancashire Chamber of Commerce | North West | Develops integrated health innovation via the Integrated Care Board |
Project concepts for further development
The following concepts have been submitted by partners during the Growth Plan development process. They represent emerging ideas with potential for further development, feasibility assessment, and strategic alignment.
| Number | Concept | Lead or proposer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The development of a "STEM Centre of Excellence" in Lancashire |
David Bailey |
| 2 | Low Carbon innovation commercialisation accelerator | EL Chamber |
| 3 | Heysham Gateway Clean Energy | n/a |
| 4 | East Lancashire Manufacturing Cluster | Annette Weeks |
| 5 | Proposal on “High Integrity Advanced Materials Processing” | David Bailey |
| 6 | Potential Health Innovation Project e.g. robotics | Andy Walker |
| 7 | Blackpool and Fleetwood Gateway for Clean Energy – Fylde Coast Renewables Cluster including regulatory sandpit encompassing Hillhouse, Stannah sub station and Preesall | MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood – Lorraine Beavers |
| 8 | Offshore Wind Energy | MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood – Lorraine Beavers |
| 9 | Innovation of concatenation of Digital and Arts | Blackpool and Fylde College (BCFC) |
| 10 | Frontierland | Lancaster City Council |
| 11 | Creative Health Skills Development Programme | Arts Lancashire, CPAN and others |
| 12 | Creative Health Network | Arts Lancashire, CPAN and others |
| 13 | Cultural and Heritage Infrastructure Strategy | Arts Lancashire, CPAN and others |
| 14 | Innovation Educators FE | The Lancashire Colleges |
| 15 | Creativity Legacy Lab | Edge Hill University |
| 16 | Pan-Lancashire NEET | Northern Automotive Alliance |
| 17 | Housing Market Renewal Programme | Pendle Council |
| 18 | One Health – a unique offering of education, training and research covering human health and animal health | University of Lancashire |
| 19 | Applying astrophysics in the coastal protections, climate adaption and weather control | University of Lancashire |