On December 26, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick announced an £830 million funding boost for high streets, to be targeted at 72 areas in England to help towns recover from the effects of the pandemic and create thousands of jobs.
The funds are intended to enable the delivery of ambitious regeneration plans, drawn up by places, and fund new local projects such as improvements to transport infrastructure, new homes and the transformation of underused spaces. Confirmed plans include:
£24.6 million to support the delivery of 186 new homes, road safety improvements and a permanent new space for the historic market in Birkenhead.
£17.9 million to boost Worcester town centre by renovating the Scala Theatre and Corn Exchange, transforming underused space to create new homes for first time buyers and improving connectivity.
£25 million for Swindon’s plans to modernise its town centre, including a new public transport hub and improved cycle and pedestrian routes.
This funding is part of wider support the government is providing to communities and businesses, to protect jobs, support the most vulnerable and ensure no one is left behind as we tackle the COVID-19 pandemic head on.
Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “The year ahead will be a big one for the high street as it seeks to recover, adapt and evolve as a result of the pandemic. Today’s £830 million investment from the Future High Streets Fund is one of many ways the government is working to help our much-loved town centres get through this and prosper into the future.
“The role of high street has always evolved. We want to support that change and make sure that they are the beating heart of their local community – with high quality housing and leisure in addition to shops and restaurants”.
The Future High Streets Fund was launched in December 2018 and is a key part of the government’s plan to renew and reshape town centres – making them a more attractive place to live, work and visit. £107 million of the Future High Streets Fund has been allocated to DCMS to support the regeneration of heritage high streets.
This included making it easier to demolish and rebuild unused buildings to create homes with our High Street Homes Permitted Development Rights; providing restaurants, pubs and cafes with the freedom to offer takeaway services; and making it easier for businesses and communities to host markets and stalls so customers can be served safely.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak added: “This month protections from the threat of eviction for businesses unable to pay their rent were extended until March 2021, taking the duration of these measures to one year.
Recent government proposals for the new Parking Code of Practice will support shoppers visiting their local high street by introducing a tiered approach to private car parking fines and ensuring a fair appeals process. The government is also reviewing the provision of public toilets to ensure that there are appropriate facilities for visitors to town centres”.
