A senior councillor believes Haringey’s economy “must do better” but heralded the regeneration of the area.

Cabinet member for economic development, social inclusion and sustainability Joe Goldberg has praised “a micro-manufacturing boom” and increase in opportunities in the borough.

Speaking to the Haringey Independent, Cllr Goldberg said: “London is changing. Celebrating and fostering Haringey’s unique place as a borough of opportunity is crucial as the world’s greatest city continues to grow – and making sure our residents are best placed to benefit.

“We’ve started work. Our regeneration plans in Tottenham and Wood Green will bring around 20,000 new homes built by 2025 and more than 1million sq ft of new workspace.

“Too often, regeneration schemes deliver shiny new buildings but come up short on the new jobs and training opportunities that help our young people fulfil their potential and the work opportunities that residents deserve.

“That’s why last year I set out our wide-ranging economic development and growth strategy, which aims to restore Haringey’s place as one of London’s manufacturing heartlands and bring the industries of the future to our borough.”

Cllr Goldberg also revealed that jobs have only increased by 140 a year since 1994 and calls for more to be done.

He said: “Our economy must do better, and attract a diverse range of manufacturing businesses that create a true foundation to growth – alongside the service jobs and leisure facilities already being delivered.

“Our strategy also singles out science, research and digital skills as crucial to Haringey’s future – industries that bring long-term careers and well-paid jobs even at the entry level.

“Haringey has a proud manufacturing tradition, from the successful lace and silk manufacturers of the 1800s to Tottenham’s pioneering Gestetner document copying machines and Harris Lebus furniture factory in the 20th Century.

Giving praise to homegrown businesses such as Wildes Cheese and Redemption Brewery and said the borough must build on his textile and green heritage.

He said: “Our Opportunity Investment Fund is giving the crucial finance small businesses need to expand or set up shop in Tottenham, and has already seen award-winning social enterprise The Mill Co. Project create dozens of new buzzing business spaces for start-up firms and budding entrepreneurs in Tottenham Hale.

“We’ve also invested to create Hermitage Road’s Fashion Technology Academy, which will see nearly 3,000 people given the opportunity to earn NVQ qualifications during the next five years – putting our borough’s young people first in the queue to get the skills they need to break into a booming British industry.

“And so that the next generation can take advantage of this success, we’ve set up a groundbreaking partnership with Birkbeck, University of London, to help more people access higher education right here in Haringey. We’re also exploring how we can lead the UK in training our young people in the digital skills which will be essential in the coming decades.

“People who live and work in Haringey have made clear that this corner of London is one of unity, promise and potential. Harnessing that passion will make this borough an even better place to be in the future.”

How would you like to see Haringey improve? Do you agree with Cllr Goldberg? Tell us what you think by emailing aslater@london.newsquest.co.uk and give us your opinion.