Businesses and residents in West London are set to benefit from a new employment and skills hub which has been set up with HS2 funding
The Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) has been successful in its bid to the HS2 Business and Local Economy Fund, securing over a quarter of a million pounds.
The hub is being delivered in partnership with London Borough of Brent, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, London Borough of Ealing, West London College and the Department for Work and Pensions.
The £255,200 funding award has come from the HS2 Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF), part of a combined total of £40m in funding available to local communities and businesses that are demonstrably disrupted by the construction of Britain’s new high-speed railway between London and the West Midlands.
Supporting the local economy
Cathy Elliot, independent chair of the HS2 Funds, said: “These funds are critical to support business and communities close to the construction of HS2 that are impacted by the works, and I am pleased that this OPDC-led project is supporting the local economy.
“This award will positively support businesses and communities, providing a lasting legacy.
“I encourage other businesses and organisations near to the line of route to apply and gain the tangible benefits of these funds.”
HS2 minister, Andrew Stephenson, added: “As construction of HS2 progresses, it’s crucial that impacted residents and businesses continue to be supported and benefit from the jobs and skills this project creates.
“With over £7m already invested in helping communities along the HS2 route, it’s great to see this latest funding go to creating a new Employment and Skills Hub in West London, providing an economic stimulus as the country fights back from Covid-19”
