EVERY city in Scotland has now been awarded a City Deal with the announcement in the Autumn Statement that Stirling and Clackmannanshire are to receive the multi-million pound building boost.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond committed the UK Government to the agreement that could see tens of millions raised by local and central government and the private sector for major infrastructure projects.
It follows Scotland's other cities and surrounding areas including Glasgow and Edinburgh which have been allocated £1bn-plus each and Aberdeen, which has £250m earmarked.
Stirling MP Steven Paterson said: "It is essential to encourage the kind of growth and jobs that we need to help the local Stirling economy in the face of the huge uncertainty created by Brexit.
"I look forward to looking at the details of this announcement and working together with all agencies and partners involved to create the environment where we can make this the success story that Stirling deserves.’’
Another Stirling MSP, Bruce Crawford, said: "There is now the capacity to significantly improve the opportunities that the local area has to offer.
Johanna Boyd, Stirling Council leader, said: “Our ambitions also go way beyond infrastructure to focus on improving the prospects and quality of life for all our people, through developments in skills and employability, social innovation, housing, transport and energy.”
Bobby McGill, Clackmannanshire Council leader, said: “We are in an excellent position to drive this forward and deliver real change together with our people and communities.”
Work on the City Deal bid started 18 months ago, and at its heart are a number of key projects including a digital innovation district, plans to bring the River Forth back into community life as a key leisure and tourism resource, a new civic and Harbour quarter, and plans for a major city park in the shadow of Stirling Castle.
Professor Gerry McCormac, Principal of the University of Stirling, said: “As a centre of innovation and excellence, the University of Stirling has been closely involved in the City Deal bid and we are absolutely delighted at today’s news.
"The university has been actively involved in encouraging staff and students to support the City Deal by signing the Stirling Pledge to help position the city as a major economic and cultural player both nationally and internationally.
"We can now work together to deliver on this ambitious plan to drive economic growth and revitalise the region as a world-class, dynamic and enterprising destination."
Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: "City Deals are vitally important to securing the growth of Scotland’s economy and delivering upon the needs not just of our cities but their wider regions.
"Their continued expansion is excellent news for Scotland.”
Adam Turner, Assistant Director for PwC in Scotland said City Deals showed "commitment to supporting growth right across Scotland" adding the latest would be a "more than welcome boost for Stirling and the surrounding area".
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