Prioritisation framework and Growth Plan project pipeline summary (HTML) - Growth project pipeline summary

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.

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..

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.