Posted on Saturday 26th December 2020
A major cash injection to revitalise coronavirus-hit high streets in three Staffordshire boroughs has been welcomed by the county council’s economic leader.
The government has announced today that Tamworth will receive more than £21.65m as part of the £830 million Future High Streets Fund. Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stafford have also secured provisional offers of £11m and just over £14m subject to further development of their plans.
Philip White, Staffordshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said:
“Our high streets have been particularly hard hit during this pandemic, so it is fantastic news to see three areas set to benefit from almost £50m, to help in particular to boost retail, leisure and hospitality businesses and attract more people back to our town centres.
"Congratulations to Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stafford and Tamworth on their successful bids.”
“While 2020 has been a tremendously difficult year, the Staffordshire economy has proved resilient and it is great to end the year with some really good news to give everyone hope for better times to come.
“In 2021, a key priority for this county council will be to help our businesses bounce back and start to thrive once again and we look forward to working with our colleagues in our district and borough councils to support their work with businesses in their communities.”
The government says the funding will support areas to recover from the pandemic and help transform underused town centres into vibrant places to live, work and shop.
Announcing the investment, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick 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 the 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.
“This investment will help us build back better and make town centres a more attractive place to live, work and visit.”
The Future High Streets Fund was launched in December 2018 and full details of today’s announcement can be found on the Government's website.