Wonderful Worksop: Powering the Future of Bassetlaw
Bassetlaw and the wider East Midlands is on the brink of a compelling future of regional development, clean energy innovation, and economic transformation.
The region is on the cusp of major change – driven by ambitious infrastructure projects, significant government investment, and a clear focus on long-term growth.
At the heart is the STEP Fusion programme at West Burton, a flagship project positioning the UK as a global leader in fusion energy. UK Industrial Fusion Solutions is transitioning into UK Fusion Energy, signalling a renewed national commitment to clean, sustainable power. Alongside this, the appointment of ILIOS as the construction partner – on a £200 million contract – marks a significant step forward in delivering the programme.
This development is not just about energy innovation; it represents a major economic opportunity. At peak construction, the project is expected to generate up to 8,000 onsite jobs, creating pathways for local workers, apprentices, and businesses. With the concept design phase completed and further development underway, the project is steadily moving from vision to reality.
Beyond West Burton, the presentation introduced the broader vision of the Trent Clean Energy Supercluster. This ambitious initiative connects three former coalfield power station sites – West Burton, High Marnham, and Cottam – into a unified hub for clean energy and innovation. Each site plays a distinct role: fusion energy, hydrogen production, and data infrastructure powered by small modular reactors.
The scale of the Supercluster is striking. Projections suggest it could deliver between 12,100 and 15,500 full-time jobs, alongside thousands more during construction phases. Economically, the impact could reach up to £930 million in annual gross value added across combined authorities. Additionally, plans for 6,800 new homes highlight the wider societal transformation tied to these developments.
A key issue for the region though is the persistent issue of low wages and low productivity in the region – identified as a major barrier to inclusive growth. Addressing this will be critical if the benefits of these large-scale investments are to be felt across all communities. Skills development, workforce training, and targeted economic strategies will play a vital role in ensuring that growth is both sustainable and equitable.
The East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ) forms another crucial pillar of the region’s future. Backed by the government’s Pride in Place Strategy, Worksop and surrounding areas have secured £19.54 million in funding over the next decade with Explore Park one of the three designated Investment Zone sites in the East Midlands Combined Authority. This investment is guided by a long-term vision focused on building stronger communities, creating thriving places, and empowering local people.
Explore Park is a global advanced manufacturing enterprise and a strategic investment zone for advanced manufacturing, green technologies and sustainable growth. It spans 98 hectares with 50% dedicated to development and 50% preserved as ecological green space creating a balanced environment for work, wellbeing and growth.
Not far away near the A1, the UKs largest speculative warehouse is now available with planning in place for a second plot opposite. New distribution links and industrial facilities and now available strategically positioned between the M1 and A1.
What stands out is the collaborative approach behind the plan. Developed through extensive community engagement and led by the Worksop Together Board, the strategy reflects a shared commitment across public, private, and third-sector partners. It’s not just about economic growth – it’s about ensuring that local people have a voice in shaping their future and the new Pride in Place backed by the Government and led by local communities has awarded Worksop nearly £20million to support the building of stronger communities, creating thriving places and empowering people to take back control.
The themes above paint a picture of transformation at scale. Clean energy innovation, infrastructure development, and targeted investment are converging to reshape the region’s economic landscape. Success will depend on more than just projects and funding. It will require a sustained focus on inclusion, skills, and community empowerment.
The next decade presents a unique opportunity. Delivered effectively, these initiatives could not only position the region as a leader in clean energy but also create a more resilient, prosperous, and inclusive economy. The foundations are being laid – the challenge now is to build on them in a way that truly benefits everyone.