Future High Streets Fund name first 14 locations that will receive funding
In the latest step of the Government’s£3.6bn investment in towns and high streets, 20 pilot areas across England will lead the way in rejuvenating town centres with expert and tailored support from the High Streets Task Force before this offer is rolled out across the country next year.
So far, 14 of the 20 pilot areas have been announced. They ware a follows:
- Salford – Swinton Town centre
- Croydon – Thornton Heath
- Staffordshire Moorlands – Cheadle
- Rushmoor – Aldershot Town Centre
- Birmingham – Stirchley
- Hyndburn – Accrington Town Centre
- South Lakeland – Kendal
- Preston – Friargate
- Coventry – Coventry City Centre
- Hartlepool – Hartlepool Town Centre
- Cheshire West and Chester – Ellesmere Port Town Centre
- Sandwell – West Bromwich Town Centre
- Knowsley – Huyton Town Centre
- Manchester – Withington District Centre
Industry experts will join forces with local leaders initially in up to 20 areas across England to breathe new life into town centres
This programme of support is being piloted and the full offer from the High Streets Task Force will be rolled out across the country in 2020.
The 14 named places will benefit from bespoke support and guidance from the new High Streets Task Force, announced by the government in response to recommendations of an expert panel on the high street chaired by Sir John Timpson.
The High Streets Task Force will give high streets and town centres advice, training and information to adapt and thrive, piloting a range of products and services with 20 places before rolling out across the country next year. The Task Force brings together a range of expert groups on reinventing and restructuring places, including the Royal Town Planning Institute and The Design Council.
Minister for the Northern Powerhouse Rt Hon Jake Berry said: “Every place has its own unique strengths and challenges but all our town centres and high streets have one thing in common – they are the lifeblood of communities. The tailored support from our new High Streets Task Force and up to £25m each from the Towns Fund for 100 places gives communities the money and support they need to unleash the potential of their towns.This people’s government is backing people across the Northern Powerhouse and every part of the UK to succeed no matter where they live.”
