East Midlands Combined County Authority has endorsed arrangements for the next stage of its Investment Zone, including further work on a regional strategy and preparatory activity at designated sites.
At its meeting on 21 July 2025, the authority supported a process for finalising the Investment Zone Strategy and Investment Plan. It also approved £450,000 for additional development work across three sites, with an allocation of £150,000 for each location.
The sites include Infinity Park in Derby, Hartington Staveley near Chesterfield and Explore Park in Worksop. The programme is intended to use the region's industrial and research strengths to attract investment in advanced manufacturing and cleaner technologies.
The authority's work follows the formal confirmation of the Investment Zone in October 2024. Its next phase is focused on progressing projects through planning and assurance, alongside measures to support business innovation and employment.
The decisions establish preparatory funding and a route for completing the programme's plans. The remaining site and project approvals will determine how that preparation translates into deliverable investments.