Strategic Investment Fund

The Strategic Investment Fund (“SIF”) is used to manage the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s devolved funding. Its purpose is to invest in economic growth which supports our ambitions, as set out in the Plan for Prosperity and our Investment Strategy below. Since government funding tends to be allocated to distinct programmes with different themes and at different times, SIF acts as a platform to assemble, invest and manage these distinct programmes.

Since its formation, SIF has made significant investments in the following projects that address our strategic priorities, including:

• Kindred CIC – £5.5m invested into providing finance for socially trading organisations using innovative solutions to tackle some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges across LCR.

• Glass Futures – a £9m grant to support an industry-led global centre for glass R&D, innovation and training in St Helens.
• Shakespeare North – £10.55m of investment in a new theatre and education space that celebrates Knowsley’s links with Shakespeare.
• Race Equality Hub – a £3.2m investment to tackle racial inequality in skills, business support and access to funding for Black, Asian and minority ethnic residents.
• Mayoral Town Centre Fund – £6m to support plans to revitalise town centres across the Liverpool City Region.
• LCR Connect – ultra-fast broadband for every borough, delivered by building a fibre ‘superspine’, that will connect all six of our constituent districts.