Shropshire Rural Growth Pitch Targets New Investment

By Hiyastar Newsroom

The Marches Forward Partnership has used a national investment and infrastructure forum to promote Shropshire, Powys and neighbouring border areas as a rural growth region seeking future support for housing, jobs, water management and transport-linked infrastructure.

The partnership was represented at UKREiiF by Daniel Burgess, head of economy and climate at Powys County Council. The forum brings together public bodies, investors and development organisations to discuss projects and place-based investment across the UK.

Rural investment case for the Marches

The Marches Forward Partnership said its pitch focused on the scale of opportunity across Shropshire, Powys, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire. Its message to investors and government representatives was that rural areas need long-term infrastructure planning if they are to support sustainable housing, business growth and climate resilience.

The partnership is positioning the area as the “Capital of Rural Britain”, with cross-border collaboration at the centre of that case. The work sits within a wider local government push to connect infrastructure decisions with economic development, similar to other councils setting out long-term regional transport plans.

Severn Valley scheme in the spotlight

Discussions at UKREiiF included the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme, a cross-border programme led by the Environment Agency with Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council and Shropshire Council, and funded by Defra.

The scheme is intended to develop a water management strategy for the upper Severn. Local authorities see it as a way to reduce flood risk, strengthen environmental resilience and support future development in areas where water management can affect homes, roads, land use and business confidence.

Cross-border councils seek a stronger voice

Councillor Jake Berriman, leader of Powys County Council, said UKREiiF gave rural areas a chance to make their case directly.

“We have real potential to deliver sustainable growth, but we need the right investment and partnerships to unlock it,” he said.

The Marches Forward Partnership includes councils from Shropshire, Powys, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire. Its next test will be whether the relationships built at the forum lead to practical backing for infrastructure, housing and environmental projects across the England-Wales border.

Source: Shropshire Council Newsroom