NOTTINGHAM is to get one of the first new Enterprise Zones in the country.

Prime Minister David Cameron made the announcement at Boots' Lenton headquarters this morning, which will be at the centre of one of the zones.

He was visiting the site with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

Colin Walton, Chair of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, says the zone could create between 5,000 and 10,000 new jobs in the area.

“This is a significant achievement and it can provide a unique opportunity for the recently formed LEP," he said.

"The new Enterprise Zone could lead to the development of an edge of city multi-use employment site which could attract internationally significant businesses across a variety of sectors including science and technology, manufacturing, office and medical based sectors.”

Part of the proposed site currently houses Boots’ head office, manufacturing and main logistics functions. Around 7,000 company employees work there.

There are up to 100 acres of vacant land and several under-used buildings available for redevelopment.

Graham Chapman, deputy leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “We are determined to work with government to make this Enterprise Zone a success.

“We do have reservations about the traditional model for Enterprise Zones. But if we can ensure that we concentrate on two or three highly successful industry sectors - such as medical, health and science – and there is support for serious, long-term investment, then by working with government and the Local Enterprise Partnership we can do something really good with this.”

Alex Gourlay, chief executive of Alliance Boots' health & beauty division, welcomed the news, saying: "We’re delighted with today’s announcement. The site is ideally situated for redevelopment creating up to 200,000 square metres of commercial space for a wide variety of sectors.

"This site could drive growth boosting both the local and national economies. We have been developing proposals for the regeneration of this site for a number of years. This gives us an opportunity to forge ahead with our plans.”

Nottingham City Council chief executive Jane Todd added: “Nottingham is experiencing a surge in planning and development interest. A number of significant projects are underway or are well advanced. Today’s news further demonstrates that Nottingham is a booming city which is attracting significant inward investment and growth.”