Agreement signed to link Midlands Engine with Northern Powerhouse

A number of authorities from across Staffordshire and Cheshire have signed an agreement to create a development zone linking the so-called Midlands Engine and Northern Powerhouse, as the regions aim to harness the potential economic benefit of HS2.The area – known as the Northern Gateway Development Zone – could unlock investment opportunities linked with HS2 that are estimated to create 120,000 jobs and lead to the construction of 100,000 new homes by 2040.The partnership includes the Cheshire and Warrington and Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), as well as Cheshire East Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and Stafford Borough Council.To drive the project forward, the LEPs have signed an agreement to work together for planned sustainable growth.Michael Jones (pictured), leader of Cheshire East Council, said the partnership is a “one-in-a-generation opportunity”.