£1 billion Future High Streets Fund expanded to 50 more areas
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An additional 50 towns will benefit from the £1 billion Future High
Streets Fund, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed today. Towns
across England – from Dudley to Dover and Scarborough to Stockport
– will join 50 successful areas already shortlisted to develop
plans to reinvent their high streets. The funding could be used by
these areas to...Request free trial
An additional 50 towns will benefit from the £1 billion Future High Streets Fund, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed today. Towns across England – from Dudley to Dover and Scarborough to Stockport – will join 50 successful areas already shortlisted to develop plans to reinvent their high streets. The funding could be used by these areas to improve transport and access into town centres, convert empty retail units into new homes and workplaces, and invest in vital infrastructure. The extension to the shortlist comes on the back of the £3.6 billion Towns Fund announced last month, which included an additional £325 million for the Future High Streets Fund, taking the overall Fund to £1 billion as the Government looks to drive forward local growth. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:
Successful candidates will progress to the second phase of the Future High Streets Fund and receive up to £150,000 to support the development of detailed project proposals that can be submitted for capital funding. The scheme was launched in December 2018 and is a key part of the Government’s plan to renew and reshape town centres and high streets in a way that drives economic growth and sustainably improves living standards. A number of other measures have already been taken to support our high streets, including the creation of the High Streets Task Force to support local leaders in delivering ambitious plans. Through the planning system we are helping to support changes to high streets, making it easier for them to adapt, with a wider range of retail, residential and other uses. The Open Doors pilot in five town centres is bringing empty shops back into use, by opening these to community groups who are offering services to the most vulnerable in our communities. Small retailers have also seen their bills cut by a third thanks to business rates retail discount, worth an estimated £1 billion. The Great British High Street Awards recognise and celebrate retailers and community groups who are working in innovative ways to keep town centres and high streets vibrant and strong. Shortlisted high streets were recently announced and voting for the Champion and Rising Star Awards is now open. Further informationSuccessfully shortlisted places will receive further guidance in due course. See full list of the places going on to the next phase of the Future High Streets Fund:
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