The government has announced £300m of High Streets Innovation Partnership funding to reverse the decline of high streets across the country, with an additional £20m of Pride in Place funding allocated to communities over a ten year period to “kickstart a wave of regeneration.”
The government has announced it will invest £300m in High Streets Innovation Partnerships, granting local communities the opportunity to “reimagine and revive struggling high streets and make them fit for the future.”
Part of the Pride in Place strategy, the funding package will also include an additional £20m allocated to areas such as Canvey Island, Eastbourne and Torquay to “kickstart regeneration” through projects selected by the community.
“People have watched their communities decline for too long, with little say over how they’re run,” said communities secretary Steve Reed. “This government is determined to change that – giving communities the tools, the funding and the power they need to rebuild.”
“From new playgrounds to reimagined high streets, we’re putting power back in people’s hands. People across the country will see and feel the difference this investment makes, restoring pride in local areas.”
Through the High Streets Innovation Partnerships, town centres could be transformed into “mixed-use spaces with new homes, health services, libraries, community hubs and green spaces.”
“Local businesses and other organisations will be encouraged to get involved, with locations confirmed in due course. Funding will also support a summer of activity on high streets this year, with innovative measures to boost footfall – just as areas are set to benefit from major culture and sporting events including the World Cup.”
The fund will also encourage local authorities to “tear up the rulebook on public spending,” with five projects testing a new initiative to have councils pool their resources with the NHS and schools “instead of operating in silos.”
“A further £18m will be spent ensuring children in 66 of the most deprived communities have quality play spaces, with cash earmarked to buy new or upgrade playgrounds across the country from Tyneside to Torquay.”
“Areas with the highest income deprivation affecting children and the poorest access to play were chosen, to ensure money goes to places that need it most.”
Allocations for the High Streets Innovation Partnerships will be confirmed “in due course,” with the government adding that if the trial of integrated public spending is successful, ministers will look to roll this model out nationwide.
Power to the people
Government statement said… “From new playgrounds to reimagined high streets, we’re putting power back in people’s hands. People across the country will see and feel the difference this investment makes, restoring pride in local areas…
