The spatial response
Engines of growth
For the regional economy to grow in a way that is sustainable, it is important that agglomeration processes, and the economic benefits that derive from them, are recognised and supported in a manner that reflects the current situation but also anticipates likely changes in the region's functional geographies. In terms of regional economic performance, a subset of the East of England Plan key centres for development and change - the larger urban sub-regions, cities and their hinterlands - will disproportionately drive growth, given the importance of agglomeration and the concentration of assets (businesses, higher education institutions and labour pools). There is also sound evidence to suggest that strongly performing functional urban areas have major benefits to the economic and social well-being of their rural hinterlands and market towns.
These 'engines of growth' (see Figure 14) are:
- Thames Gateway South Essex
- Greater Cambridge
- Greater Peterborough
- the Milton Keynes South Midlands growth area focusing on Luton as a regional city
- London Arc
- Greater Norwich
- Haven Gateway.
The engines of growth are identified either in relation to the functional urban areas associated with the region's larger cities, or with the networks of interdependent urban areas that characterise much of the area closer to London. Additionally, we have taken a dynamic, forward-looking perspective, taking into account both the geography of planned growth and the potential impacts associated with major international gateways. The engines of growth are impossible to demarcate precisely through boundaries on maps. Physically, many of the cities around which they are defined are under-bounded as the built-up area already extends beyond the local authority district and much future growth is in adjacent districts. However, the functional influence of the engines of growth has a broader geography, again particularly in relation to labour and housing markets. It is also vital to recognise that many of the engines of growth have a strong relationship with London, in both directions. The geography of economic influence is therefore multi-layered and complex.
In this context, cross-boundary working will be vital within the engines of growth. Collaborative approaches will be needed in planning for future change and prioritising investment. In doing so, these urban areas and their functional hinterlands will maximise the benefits of agglomeration, ensure that the geographical concentration of assets is available to the widest population and engender stronger sub-regional governance and joint working.
To deliver significant growth and change, each of these seven areas requires:
- a bold and visionary strategy for the economic development of the area led by the local authorities, identifying and supporting a limited number of sectors and clusters of international and national significance, alongside outlining improvements in the general environment for businesses that serve local and regional markets
- effective partnerships that span administrative boundaries, tiers of government and the public and private sectors to deliver regional economic and regional spatial strategy ambitions
- recognition as major economic centres and labour markets, and therefore targeting of appropriate services and investment through Local Area Agreements or Multi Area Agreements
- Integrated Development Programmes and strong investment planning approaches that identify the phasing and financing of major physical infrastructure and growth
- a planning framework and system that provides clarity and confidence to the market, including masterplans or area action plans for areas of transformation.
