NORTH WEST RECEIVES UP TO £168.8 MILLION TO TRANSFORM HIGH STREETS

In a major boost for the region, four high streets across the North West have been awarded up to £66.7 million to help them implement ambitious local plans to transform their high streets for generations to come, the Government confirmed today.

The announcement comes as Mr Jenrick confirmed allocations of up to £830 million funding to regenerate high streets across England as part of the Government’s flagship £1 billion Future High Streets Fund.  

In a key milestone for the Government’s levelling up agenda, this money with help areas to recover from the pandemic while also driving long term growth. Ambitious local plans involve improvements to transport infrastructure, new homes, the transformation of underused spaces and job creation.  

The funding will also help to protect and create jobs in a range of industries, delivering opportunities and prosperity to the local community. 

Stretford, Stockport, Winsford and Birkenhead will each receive the full funding they bid for in recognition of the forward-thinking and innovative proposals they have developed, including: 

• £17.6 million for Stretford to create a new, expanded high street, with enhanced landscaping and better transport links, providing a focal point for the community to enjoy.  

·       £14.5 million to redevelop the iconic Mersey Square in Stockport and to repurpose nearby vacant retail units to community and leisure facilities.  

·       £9.9 million to help Winsford transform its Fountain Square and make improvements to public transport, pedestrian and cycle routes.  

·       £24.5 million for 186 new homes, road safety improvements and a permanent new space for the historic market in Birkenhead. 

From improving transport and access into town centres to converting retail units into new homes, plans will deliver long-term impacts that drive growth, raise living standards and ultimately help level up the regions. 

Minister for High Streets Kelly Tolhurst said: 

“Towns across the North West have a proud history of industry and commerce, and we are supporting them to preserve this heritage for future generations. 

“In Stockport, £14.5 million will support plans to redevelop Mersey Square and repurpose empty retail units, supporting local businesses and jobs. And in Stretford, £17.6 million will help revitalise the high street with landscaping and an improved retail offer. 

“The year ahead will be a big one for high streets in the North West, with government investing across the region to help create vibrant places that communities are proud of, supporting recovery from the pandemic and delivering on our Plan for Jobs.” 

This funding is part of wider support we’re providing to communities and businesses, to protect jobs, support the most vulnerable and ensure no one is left behind as we tackle the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic head on.  

Four high streets in the North West will have received confirmed funding from the Future High Streets Fund totalling £66.7 million. A further four areas have received a provisional funding offers totalling up to £102.1 million and we will be working with them to finalise their proposals. 

The four places who are receiving full funding in the North West are:  

1.       Stockport – Stockport, £14,500,000 

2.       Winsford – Cheshire West and Chester, £9,980,000 

3.       Birkenhead – Wirral, £24,581,011 

4.       Stretford – Trafford, £17,605,674 

The nine places receiving provisional funding offers in the North West are: 

1.       New Ferry, Wirral – £3,213,523 

2.       Wigan – £16,633,691 

3.       Crewe – £14,148,128 

4.       Rochdale (Greater Manchester) – £17,080,458 

5.       Farnworth, Bolton (Greater Manchester) – £13,306817 

6.       Oldham – £10,750,237 

7.       Kirkham Town Centre, Fylde – £6,290,831  

8.       Maryport, Allerdale – £11,527,839 

9.       Carlisle City Centre – £9,129,874 

The outputs listed are locally reported and will undergo further quality assurance before being finalised and confirmed in grant offer letters.