The Northumberland Line Economic Corridor Strategy & Action Plan
The reintroduction of passenger services between Ashington and Newcastle, otherwise known as the Northumberland Line, is expected to have a major impact on the local economy by facilitating economic activity and improving public transport accessibility. This is one of the most deprived parts of the country and is also home to nationally significant offshore wind and energy assets. Partners are committed to capitalising on this strategic infrastructure investment to establish a new and ambitious Northumberland Line Economic Corridor (NLEC).
Steer Economic Development (Steer-ED) was commissioned by Northumberland County Council to develop a Northumberland Line Economic Corridor Strategy (October 2019) and a subsequent Delivery Framework (July 2021).
Our Strategy work comprised:
- Comprehensive socio-economic baselining;
- Extensive stakeholder engagement activities across diverse groups & interests;
- Co-designing the Visioning & Objectives for the Corridor; and
- Developing an M&E framework to guide delivery.
The development of the Delivery Framework involved:
- Auditing existing & planned activities;
- Identifying gaps & supporting the development of new and innovative project proposals;
- Prioritisation & sequencing of resources & activities; and
- Developing governance & delivery arrangements.
Our inclusive strategy development process enabled effective stakeholder engagement and input, securing buy-in and commitment to a shared vision and set of objectives. The Delivery Framework has provided a prioritised package of activities and interventions which will enable partners to deliver their ambitions. Our outputs are playing a vital role in making the case for securing resources and funding from both regional and national partners and in doing so, contributing to achieving Levelling Up objectives within the North East.
