West Sussex County Council leaders have met representatives from Manor Royal Business Improvement District to discuss future economic growth and investment in Crawley.
Council leader Cllr Jay Mercer and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills Cllr Yvonne Gravely met Manor Royal BID Executive Director Steve Sawyer to discuss opportunities for the business district and the importance of continuing partnership working.
The talks come as local government reorganisation continues across Sussex, with both sides highlighting the need to maintain close links while future council structures are considered.
Discussions included the Crawley Growth Programme, which has delivered infrastructure improvements in the area, including an extension to a bus lane providing a dedicated route between the A23 London Road and Gatwick Road.
They also discussed progress on Re-Energise Manor Royal, a project set up to invest in renewable energy and improve the security, sustainability and cost of energy supplies for businesses in the district.
Cllr Jay Mercer said: “Economic growth is crucial for West Sussex. Creating new, varied and better-paid job opportunities, attracting public and private sector investment, upgrading public infrastructure – these are all things that drive the Sussex economy and improve people's lives.
“The Manor Royal district is an important economic area in our county and the BID plays a vital role in co-designing and co-delivering projects that boost our regional productivity.”
Steve Sawyer, Executive Director of Manor Royal BID, said the meeting had also provided an opportunity to discuss future challenges.
He said: “We are grateful for the time Councillors Mercer and Gravely took to visit us in Manor Royal.
“We enjoyed a lively and engaging meeting where we discussed the numerous ways we can work together to deliver many notable improvements to the Business District since the creation of the Manor Royal BID.
“We also reflected on the challenges ahead and we look forward to continued close working with the County Council to ensure Manor Royal remains competitive, for the benefit that brings to businesses and residents alike.”
Manor Royal is one of the South East’s major employment areas and is located immediately south of London Gatwick Airport.
The business district is home to more than 600 businesses and supports around 30,000 jobs.
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