EAST Ayrshire will see a multi-million pound boost to the economy thanks to the delivery of the Ayrshire Growth Deal.

It is hoped the deal will create approximately 7,000 jobs across a wide range of sectors. The investment will be delivered over a 15-year period.

Included in the deal will be £23.5m to create the Ayrshire Manufacturing I nve stment Corridor (AMIC) in Bellfield, Kilmarnock, £16m will go on developing the Ayrshire Engineering Park to provide expansion and development of Moorfield industrial Park in Kilmarnock and £80million will be invested in an Aerospace and Space Innovation Centre and coupled with other investments, this means over £200million will be pumped into the area.

One of the key features of the deal is to ensure that our residents and communities can take advantage of these new opportunities as they come on stream.

Over £8m will be invested to improve the skills of Ayrshire residents with extra support for those furthest away from the labour market.

Ayrshire’s three Council leaders were joined by the Secretary of State for Scotland, the Rt Hon David Mundell MP, and Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson MSP, to sign the Heads of Terms on the deal.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: “It’s fantastic news that the UK Government is to invest more than £100 million to grow Ayrshire’s economy, create jobs and boost prosperity.

This investment will transform the Ayrshire economy over the coming 15 years.”

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire “By putting aside political differences and geographical boundaries we have succeeded in securing funding to develop an astounding set of business and investment propositions to put Ayrshire firmly back on the map.

Council, said: “Our Growth Deal journey began in August 2015 and here we are, three and a half years of hard work, commitment and determination, and skilful negotiation and collaboration on the part of many, many people.

“We have received incredible support, advice and counsel from industry experts, national agencies and business leaders, but none of this would be possible without the financial assistance offered by the two governments.”