IDP
The IDP Programme is a £42 million regeneration programme, designed to target key coalfield and steel areas within the M18 corridor of South Yorkshire.
As part of Objective One’s programme six areas were identified as needing support to make the transition from dependency on coal and steel to economic renewal. These areas were Beighton, Stocksbridge, North Doncaster, North Barnsley, Rawmarsh, and Maltby. Although these areas had been blighted by the loss of jobs in the steel works, closure of the pits and a steep decline in South Yorkshire’s economy they had already achieved a certain level of community economic development as part of previous programmes. Each of the six areas has its own integrated development plan.
MCDT is the accountable body for the IDP programme, providing a management service to Objective 1 and Yorkshire Forward, through which the programme is funded. It ensures that funds are distributed correctly and agreed outputs are monitored and achieved. MCDT supports the projects in terms of development and delivery, using its considerable expertise in community regeneration and neighbourhood renewal.
The programme which started in January 2002 is due to be completed by December 2008. As a specifically economic measure, performance is measured in terms of floor space constructed, new jobs created, business assistance and the reclamation and development of brownfield sites. The projects range from environmental projects, to capital projects including the refurbishment of old buildings for community use and the building of new business parks to provide managed workspace.
The purpose of this programme was to 'help coalfield and steel communities generate, and have access to sustainable jobs and wealth through clusters of new economic activity’. As the programme draws to a close, it is well on the way to achieving this objective.
