Carlisle's Kingmoor Park is the first in Cumbria to be included in a Government portfolio of the best places to invest in in the UK.

Cumbria's only Enterprise Zone has been awarded a place in the Capital Investment Portfolio.

The portfolio, distributed by the Department of International Trade, is a global marketing initiative, which highlights major opportunities for overseas investors and sets out the UK's top investment sites.

The department chose Kingmoor Park Enterprise Zone thanks to its latest masterplan for the future, which sets out its aims over the next 15 years and says it has the potential to create an extra 3,000 jobs for the region.

There is 170 acres of prime development land with up to 30 development plots and the ability to create individual units of up to 350,000sqft, all with direct access to Junction 44 of the M6 at Kingmoor Park.

Neil McIntyre, Kingmoor Park's managing director, said: “This is a reflection of what has been achieved so far and the opportunities that still exist for the future.

"We are delighted that Kingmoor Park has been given the recognition it deserves and look forward to seeing the reaction from a worldwide stage.

"Our masterplan covers the next 15 years and predicts that once all the development land has been utilised, we will have added another 2.1m sq ft of business space and will have created another 3,000 jobs on site.”

Graham Stewart, minister for investment, said: “This is an incredible achievement for Kingmoor Park Enterprise Zone. I am confident that this excellent space will attract investment that will in turn create jobs and further opportunities for growth.

“My department’s portfolio showcases the most impressive projects from across the north and has been used to market projects to many international investors.”

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership has supported Kingmoor Park throughout its application for partnership with the Northern Powerhouse and continues to be a key stakeholder alongside Carlisle City Council and Cumbria County Council.

Graham Booth, chair of Kingmoor Park Enterprise Zone and board member of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The decision by the Department of International Trade to include Kingmoor Park within its Capital Investment Portfolio is a significant development in that we will now will have access to a wide range of international investors and with that the opportunity to bring further jobs and economic success to the region.”

John Mallinson, leader of Carlisle City Council, added: “Carlisle is a growing city and I’m delighted that Kingmoor Park Enterprise Zone has been recognised in such a positive way by the Government.

"It places it on a global market and could attract further investment in the future. It’s a key strategic site which I hope to see flourish even further.”

David Southward, cabinet member for economic development and property at Cumbria County Council, said: “This is fantastic recognition by Government of the hard work undertaken by partners in developing Kingmoor Park Enterprise Zone as a key strategic site within the Northern Powerhouse region.

"Inclusion represents the significance and importance of the Enterprise Zone, providing an exciting forum to showcase the opportunities it has to offer.”