‘The real work starts now’ - John Kelpie

He added that while there are challenges, he was confident all partners will continue to work collectively to build on the region’s positive assets.

He also said those projects being taken forward will help the region ‘reinvent ourselves and be primed for a new and buoyant future’.

“We strongly believe that the City Deal will bring life and people back into our city and town centres and that with this investment we can bring life, culture and opportunity to people’s doorsteps and create an environment that is safer and more attractive to our communities right across the board,” Mr Kelpie said.

He added: “Key to assist us in achieving that will be works to improve our public transport and the regeneration of key areas across our Council area and a range of public and private third sector party investments to allow us to bring this to fruition.

“This is only the start of the process; the real work starts now. It is up to all of us to deliver each and every one of these exciting projects and it is vital that all partners work in collaboration with Government to realise the City Deal’s amazing potential.”