Further 57 English high streets to receive a share of over £830 million to improve transport links, build new homes and transform underused space.
image: Open Government Licence v3.0
… a key milestone for the government’s levelling up agenda…
… protect, support and create thousands of jobs…
Government UK writes:
- Funding confirmed for a further 57 areas
- In total, 72 high streets will share over £830 million to help them reopen and recover from the pandemic
- Investment to help transform town centres into vibrant places to live, work and shop
More high streets will receive new money to improve transport links, build new homes and transform underused spaces in a key milestone for the government’s levelling up agenda.
In total, 72 English high streets – from Penzance to South Shields – will share over £830 million, with 57 of these areas announced today.
As pubs, cinemas, bowling alleys and more open up this week, this funding will provide a much-needed boost for towns as they safely welcome shoppers and visitors back to their high streets.
The funding is part of the government’s plan to protect, support and create thousands of jobs in a range of industries, delivering opportunities and prosperity to communities across England.
Confirmed plans include:
- £17.28 million for Grimsby will create a new multiplex cinema and market food hall, which hopes to boost visitor numbers to the town centre. A new public square and events space will be created bringing more vitality and buzz to the high street.
- £13.96 million investment for Taunton to build new homes, business spaces and hospitality venues, as well as an outdoor performance venue for events to boost visitor numbers.
- £6.28 million for Sutton-in-Ashfield for the refurbishment of the Sutton Academy theatre space and repurposing of vacant retail space into offices and hospitality venues. A new pop-up food and events space as well as better pedestrian links will encourage more local people to visit the town centre for special events and festivals.
Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:
“This funding is part of wider support we are providing to communities and businesses, to protect jobs, support the most vulnerable and ensure no one is left behind as we recover from pandemic.
“This investment will make a huge difference to towns and cities across England and transform themselves in desired places to shop, visit, live and work.
“The Future High Streets Fund will support towns, communities and businesses as we get back to enjoying the best of what the high street has to offer.”
The Future High Streets Fund was launched in December 2018 and is a key part of this government’s plan to renew and reshape town centres – making them a more attractive place to live, work and visit.?? It is just one of the ways the government is supporting the retail and hospitality sector.
