The pioneering Wave Hub marine energy project has been ‘plugged in’ for the first time since its installation over the summer and is officially open for business.

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The ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) Convergence programme, the South West Regional Development Agency and the Higher Education Funding Council for England are investing £9m in University College Falmouth’s new Academy for Innovation & Research.

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ESF-backed Surf Action is delighted to have been selected as a finalist for the Big Lottery People’s Millions awards for 2010. Surf Action is an award winning and pioneering project that uses surfing and the beach environment to help people deal with the ongoing problems of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and amputations. 

> People's Millions

> Surf Action media release

Two European Social Fund Convergence supported investments in Cornwall have won ESF Equal Opportunities and Sustainable Development Mainstreaming ‘Leader’ Awards. The awards recognise organisations that have made a special commitment to mainstream equal opportunities or sustainable development.

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The Cornwall Social Enterprise Network is jointly organising a Social Enterprise Trade Fair at Cornwall College on 19th November.

> Cornwall Social Enterprise Network

For the latest update on Convergence in light of the Coalition Government’s budgetary priorities and changing mechanisms and structures, see:

> Convergence Update

“Our Next Generation Broadband investment represents the single largest and most transformational ERDF investment that the Convergence programme will make. It contributes towards the programme’s operational objectives by providing the platform for economic transformation to a more knowledge based, high value added, lower carbon economy. The project links together and adds value to virtually all other investments.

“Up to £53.5m Convergence ERDF funds are being invested alongside c£80m from BT in Next Generation Broadband infrastructure.

“Access to superfast broadband in the wider community is hugely important in order to attract and retain high value businesses. The project offers wide coverage, with a fibre rich solution available to 80-90% of all premises. Infill solutions, such as wireless, satellite and advanced copper technology, will provide a step change in broadband connectivity where a fibre solution isn’t possible.

"Widespread take-up is key to the success of the project, ensuring private sector investment is maximised and guaranteeing the long term sustainability of the network. Demand stimulation activities will be an integral part of the project, driving businesses to get connected and highlighting new opportunities enabled by world class digital connectivity.

“Detailed planning and survey work is now underway, and the project team is currently being strengthened for the delivery phase. The project launch, likely to be in early 2011, will take place once the first customers can get connected. Further details of the rollout, including the specific areas that will be going live, will be available at that stage.

“This investment will truly transform the economic performance of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly by focussing on connecting high growth, high value businesses, maximising their potential to create wealth through connection. It will make us one of the world’s best connected rural areas, overcoming peripherality and giving businesses a head start in a global economy.”

Further info at Cornwall Development Company.

More information about RDPE projects and contact details can be found on the Convergence website.

For contact details and information about the fisheries programme, visit the Convergence website.