To create a development of new business units for green technology oriented businesses in the Colne Valley.

Achievements to date:

• Selected by Yorkshire Forward and Kirklees Council as No.1 Priority Project.
• Feasibility Study initial stage completed, recommending:
  • The viability of a centre supporting start up businesses in the environmental technology sector in Marsden and Slaithwaite.
  • The potential for the development of a cluster (group) of environmental technology businesses in Marsden and Slaithwaite.
• The Community’s idea to brand this project with the Sustainable Construction Skills Training Centre under the banner of the Green Valley Initiative, with the idea that other projects will follow.

Targets for the next twelve months:

• To identify a suitable location for the Innovation Centre
• To achieve approval from Yorkshire Forward for investment in the building construction/conversion element of the project (capital investment).
• For Kirklees Council and the community to identify additional resources required to make this project happen.
• To get through planning and design stages and begin building works.

Major challenges to date:

• To ensure that the community’s idea for this project (agreed at the end of the consultation process) was investigated as a first option.
• To juggle Yorkshire Forward and Kirklees Council constraints.
• Keeping the momentum going, pushing for what seemed right for the community.

The following documents have been produced as a result of this project:

• The brief for the feasibility study (produced by the project champion, Kirklees Council and Yorkshire Forward.) – October 06
• Consultants inception report, Colne Valley Green Valley Initiative Phase 1 Position Statement, Genecon– February 07
• Phase 1 Feasibility Study Summary Report (Colne Valley Green Valley Initiative Final Summary Report Phase 1) - April 07
• Phase 1 Feasibility Study Report (Enviros Final Report Stage 1) – April 07

Project Champion: Camilla Govan