Last updated 19:31, Thursday, 27 November 2008

AN ECONOMIC crisis never deters developers who are willing to play the long game with their investments.

So while the wonder has gone out of Woolies and the legs have dropped off MFI this week, we are also able to report plans to create 1,000 new jobs as part of a £32 million scheme being drawn up for Lillyhall.

The West Cumbria Gateway scheme should be seen as part of the long-term reshaping of our district.

At a time of economic downturn, this is a remarkable vote of confidence in the area.

Northern Developments, the Cumbrian company behind the scheme, has a good track record in making these things work; it was behind the creation of the Dovenby Hall business complex and has been successful in the North East.

It represents the largest ever private sector investment of its kind in West Cumbria, and includes a mixture of industrial, commercial and office units as well as a much-needed new hotel to serve the district.

The plan fits the overall vision of a revitalised west coast, and focuses on the potential offered by Lillyhall as it gears up to welcome the new university campus and nuclear academy.

Unlike the Derwent Forest scheme, bogged down by red tape and lack of clarity, this private-sector-led Gateway plan has the chance to move swiftly ahead.

It is certainly a welcome boost to the area amid all the present uncertainty, and we would urge planners to get right behind it.