The Forth Green Freeport (FGF) is officially 鈥渙pen for business鈥� today, 12 June, following approval from the Scottish and UK Governments of its Outline Business Case.
This major step unlocks the investment incentives to deliver the green freeport vision.
Responding to the news, Council Leader Cammy Day said:
The Forth Green Freeport is go - making North Edinburgh and the region open for significant investment and good, green, economic growth.
The whole coastline has huge potential as we develop our city and and, clearly, the Scottish and UK Governments agree. The news just this week of a global leader in sustainable energy potentially looking to invest in the Port of Leith is also testament to the opportunities Edinburgh has to offer.
Our extension of is already unlocking many areas in the North of the city for long-term investment and regeneration plus, our £1.3 billion green vision for is creating a brand new sustainable coastal community, with thousands of net zero homes.
Through the we’ve already achieved massive success working collaboratively with our neighbouring councils, with central government and with the private sector. I’m looking forward to similar success with all the partners on the Forth Green Freeport.
I’ve said all along that fair work and fair opportunities - with employers paying the real Living Wage and real benefits to the community – should be central to the Green Freeport’s plans. Following positive conversations with our partners, I’m pleased this is now confirmed with a Fair Work Charter right at the heart of everyone’s ambitions.
Around 11,000 direct jobs are expected to be created as a result of the Forth Green Freeport, and we expect around 4,000 of those to be here in Edinburgh, which is major. This is of course long-term but we have the opportunity to not only boost employment opportunities but the skills we need in green industries as we address the climate challenge and work towards net zero as a city and country.