WORCESTER could benefit from up to £25million from the £3.6billion ‘Towns Fund’ announced by the Government in a bid to transform the city with improved transport, broadband connectivity, skills and culture.
The Faithful City was chosen as one of the 100 towns eligible for support, all of which have proud industrial and economic heritage, but have ‘not always benefited from economic growth in the same way as more prosperous areas,’ according to the Government.
Communities, businesses and local council chiefs across the city will now join forces to draw up ambitious plans to transform the city’s economic growth prospects.
Should it win the backing of the Government, the cash could improve connectivity, provide vital social and cultural infrastructure and boost growth in the city with local people even having a say on how the money is spent.
The news comes a fortnight after city council chiefs won £150,000 to make a bid for a share of the Government’s multi-million pound Future High Streets Fund.
Both schemes form part of a bid to move power away from Whitehall and into local economies across the country through ambitious City and Growth Deals, providing more than £9billion of funding to Local Enterprise Partnerships.
City MP Robin Walker said: “When the Towns Fund was launched in March, I wasn’t sure whether Worcester would be eligible, but I urged the department to ensure that we would be.
“There are parts of Worcester that absolutely fit the criteria and I am delighted they have confirmed our city to be eligible for up to £25million.”
“I hope the stronger towns fund will deliver regeneration and opportunity for other parts of the city.
“There are many exciting ongoing developments within the city, earlier this year we received great news of a £3million boost into renovating and repurposing eight railway arches for creative and dynamic business space and upon completion will prove life changing to many residents in the city, from consumer to employee to employer.”
“I am looking forward to working with the city council and with local businesses to make sure that this money delivers real transformation and regeneration,” he added.
