How local investment is shaping a North Devon town

For a large majority of Devon residents, Ilfracombe is a place on a map they have yet to visit.

For many years this extraordinary town has struggled to get the recognition it deserves to enable it to reach its full potential. Its history, heritage and setting are exceptional but the trick of how to turn this into a thriving economy/community has proved a challenge for all levels of government and successive politicians to crack.

Perhaps, however, this is only part of the story, as the business community has recently been quietly investing that essential growth capital which has proved so difficult to squeeze out of government.

Ilfracombe's credentials are impressive.

Situated in a natural amphitheatre, facing the Bristol Channel, the town has a significant number of Victorian historic buildings, mostly grouped around the harbour area. The town expanded rapidly through the 19th century as  tourism became a major economic sector and created one of the most unique Victorian destination showcases in the country.

Its scenic credentials are extraordinary and are recognised as part of the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Coastal architecture, crafted during the ice age, has carved out some of the most spectacular cliff features in the UK - Great Hangman near Combe Martin is the highest cliff on mainland Britain.

Also, at Martinhoe, there is one of the tallest waterfalls in the country. Much of this can be enjoyed by putting on your walking boots and tasting the magnificent Southwest Coast Path which passes through the town.

Growth over the last two decades has been slow by comparison with other North Devon towns.

There can be no hiding from disappointing statistics which tell a story of high levels of deprivation, high unemployment and a lack of genuine belief that the town has a glittering future. All the bad-news evidence came together when a bid was submitted by North Devon District Council to the previous government for £24million.

This was turned down. It would have seen direct investment to tackle long term deprivation. In the view of local experts this could have resulted in positive improvements being achieved within 12 months.

I am no great fan of statistics. They tell the story of what was and not what is now. They seldom, in my experience,  reflect the real mood music or capture the spirit of the place. It should therefore perhaps not be a surprise that they do not tell the full story. This shows that a number of quite remarkable investments in the town have and are being made. This may be the missing signpost to a very different prospect for local growth and wealth creation.

So let us take a look at some of this better news:

Pall Corporation has been an anchor manufacturer in the town for more than 40 years. This, by any judgement, is a trophy business being a world-leading bio-tech operation.

Their very recent investment of £60million enables the Ilfracombe plant to become one of the largest filtration producers across the company's global operation.

These components are vital equipment for the world's vaccine suppliers. The new 200 direct jobs are high skilled and high wage. The company started on the old railway station in 1978 with just 50 employees.

Today it employs 850 now with this extra 200 recruits in the pipeline. This highlights only a part of the benefits as there are at least 300 indirect jobs supported by this operation with local suppliers, and sub-contractors. Their spending power int the local economy is very significant.

l TDK-Lambda is a company many would struggle to recognise across Devon. Sad for them because, if you want to be impressed, look no further than this.  

Based at Kingsley Avenue, there has recently been completed a £11.5million package which would be the envy of any parts of the SW region.

This investment will increase the production capacity of innovative power supplies by 50 per cent, particularly in the medical, telecommunications and automotive sectors.

The original factory was built over 50 years ago. The TDK-Lambda Corporation, a $12billion business based in Tokyo, has sufficient faith in the local management and skilled workforce to make this investment.

By not mentioning the growing clutch of exciting businesses who are mostly based on the Mullacott Industrial Estate, this is not to ignore their commitment to Ilfracombe and the valuable contribution they also make to the local economy.

Housing is just as important a part of economic vitality and regeneration. Building critical mass for communities also brings many benefits across all parts of the locality. The impact of the Southern Extension will provide this legacy and be felt for years to come.

For those not familiar with this, it comprises 187 acres of land off the Old Barnstaple Road (next to Tesco).

There is planning for 750 homes, a mixed-use centre, extra care housing and a primary school. Action on site has recently commenced with 347 dwellings.

This is being undertaken by the Tiverton-based Devonshire Homes who have an excellent track record for delivery and quality. They are also strong advocates for the use of local labour, materials, sub-contractors and investment in training. Their 50-acre site, named Mariner's Haven, will generate multi millions of benefits to the local economy.

These include contributions to a wide range of sports and leisure facilities.

The platform established by the excellent Ilfracombe Development Board provides a clear route forward. They have worked with the dedicated team at North Devon District Council to produce some fantastic results.

Look no further than the £3.3million Watersports Centre at Larkstone, funded by various agencies including the Get Building Fund and the Coastal Communities Fund.

I am not sure that there is an equivalent level of long-term investment being made, particularly in just two manufacturing facilities, anywhere else in the region.

No one, however, could or should deny the profound problems that deprivation can bring.  

Perhaps, however, there is a much more positive and powerful narrative here which speaks to real  prospects for this wonderful gem of a community.