The Rural Regenerations Zone’s vision for the next two years is contained in the Zone Implementation Plan 2007-10. This re-states the core objective, which is that ‘by 2020 the Rural Regeneration Zone will be a connected rural area with a strong economy, a healthy environment and a rich quality of life for all’.
The Zone’s strategic objectives remain:
to develop a strong, diverse and sustainable rural economy.
to develop a thriving economy through environmental excellence.
to raise the skill levels of the workforce and those entering employment.
to reduce poverty, value diversity and promote social inclusion and community cohesion by allowing full access to services and opportunities.
The Zone boundary is not a statutory one, so when it comes to investment there is enough flexibility to consider proposals from areas adjacent to the Zone, providing they will have a positive impact on people living or working within it.
Importantly, the Zone does not operate in a strategic vacuum and there are other plans and strategies affecting the area’s people. These range from national and regional strategic frameworks to county, district and local strategies and plans. The Zone’s role is in adding value to these other strategies, not competing with them. Where other strategies do not exist, investment frameworks have been developed to tackle particular challenges. Projects will be developed to ensure complementarity with the Business Link West Midlands model, for example, while Zone activity will also need to reflect the priority areas emerging through the Regional Spatial Strategy consultation.
To date five strategic frameworks are being implemented across the Zone. These are:
Enterprise Centre Network – A strategic network of new facilities offering businesses office and/or workspace provision along with tailored company support.
Multi Use Community Facilities – New community facilities enabling easier access to service and opportunities for rural communities.
Environmental Economy – A framework aimed at developing business ideas that benefit the environment and deliver economic impact.
Land & Property – Aimed at increasing the availability of land and property for employment use.
Economic Inclusion - Aimed at increasing economic opportunity for all and breaking down physical, perceptual and systemic barriers to accessing those opportunities
Looking forward, further frameworks will be developed to meet the Zone’s strategic objectives and to address gaps in provision.