New Towns were always a far-sighted concept and the inclusion of an industrial estate or business park was a particularly creative idea. With Crawley New Town came Manor Royal and it remains one of the largest business parks in the south-east region. It is an easy fact to forget but we need to be mindful that Manor Royal, and GatwickAirport, are key and complementary parts of theCrawleyeconomy. Manor Royal is home to an estimated 500 businesses and 30,000 employees.
We cannot be complacent about the performance and prospects of our local economy. For a number of years, it has been Council policy to assist with economic diversification. Accordingly, we have been working with the LEAG (Local Economy Action Group) to create a new vision for Manor Royal. It is recognised that such an important business location cannot stand still if it is to maintain and improve its status and its attractiveness for employers and employees.
A study was commissioned in May 2007 to develop a greater understanding of the area, gather an evidence base and create a new vision for Manor Royal. Out of this came a series of improvement themes including master planning; image, brand and identity; look and feel; what it does and how and it works including sustainability; premises and property. A year ago, Crawley Council committed £50,000 to get some of this work off the ground. Most of this money was initially allocated to image, brand and marketing. Subsequently we have also begun to address look and feel with a detailed appraisal by the Council’s Amenity Services team. Finally, the sustainability theme will look at environmental performance and considering the creation of a “social heart” for Manor Royal.
Last week the Council’s Cabinet committed a further £210,000 of its LABGI (Local Authority Business Growth Incentive) funds to maintain momentum on these projects. Central government awards LABGI to local authorities based on the growth of business rateable value in their area and re-investing in core business projects should help to create a virtuous circle of economic growth.
Our efforts have been well supported by West Sussex County Council’s Highways Division who have conducted an extensive audit of roads throughout Manor Royal. A further £500,000 of funds has been approved by the County Council-led Public Service Board to action a proportion of the identified improvements.
These are early days but we are committed to building a strong public and private sector partnership to maintain and enhance Manor Royal’s position at the heart of our local economy.
Councillor Bob Lanzer, Leader of Crawley Borough Council
24th June 2009