The government has announced a £1 billion cash injection to breathe new life into communities across the UK. This funding, awarded through the Levelling Up Fund, targets 55 transformative projects designed to create jobs, improve transport links, and regenerate town centres.
Levelling up Secretary Michael Gove said: “Levelling up means delivering local people’s priorities and bringing transformational change in communities that have, for too long, been overlooked and undervalued. “Levelling up means delivering local people’s priorities and bringing transformational change in communities that have, for too long, been overlooked and undervalued.
“Today we are backing 55 projects across the UK with £1 billion to create new jobs and opportunities, power economic growth, and revitalise local areas.
This funding sits alongside our wider initiatives to spread growth, through devolving more money and power out of Westminster to towns and cities, putting in place bespoke interventions to places that need it most, and our Long-Term Plan for Towns.”
Funding Breakdown:
- £825 million will be directed towards town and city regeneration projects in nearly 50 locations.
- £150 million has been allocated to improve transport links across eight Levelling Up Priority Places.
- The remaining funds will be used for initiatives that align with local needs.
Examples of Funded Projects:
- Pembrokeshire: Over £10.5 million will enhance public accessibility across Pembroke town, focusing on improved walkways and environmental upgrades.
- South Tyneside: £20 million will be used for three projects in South Shields Riverside, including the redevelopment of a cultural hub and a Centre for Excellence in renewable energy.
- Billingham Town Centre: £20 million will create a modern town centre that safeguards existing businesses and revitalises the high street.
- Elgin, Scotland: £18 million will transform the town into an urban hub, attracting high-productivity businesses.
Boosting Transport Links:
- £48 million will be invested in major upgrades to the Penistone Line in Yorkshire, enhancing reliability and providing improved station facilities.
- Scotland will receive £13.8 million to improve transport connectivity in Dumfries and Galloway, including new electric vehicle charging infrastructure, cycle route improvements, and new transport hubs.
- The Isle of Wight will benefit from £13.6 million to create the Island Green Link, providing a cycling and walking path connecting the east and west of the island.
Levelling Up the North:
Nearly a third of the funding, totalling £356 million, is allocated to 19 projects across the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and the Humber. This includes:
- Keighley, Yorkshire: £19.8 million will support the creation of a new Advanced Robotics and Engineering Institute to bolster the region’s manufacturing heritage.
- Blackpool: £15.4 million will transform the town centre, improving traffic flow, public transport access, and infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.
- Newcastle Upon Tyne: £19.4 million will create a restoration facility to support economic activity, create jobs, and meet the needs of the offshore energy sector.
Building on Previous Investment:
This funding follows the £1 billion Long-Term Plan for Towns, unveiled last month, which empowers communities to take control of their future by revitalizing high streets, tackling anti-social behaviour, and improving transport.
The government has also invested in initiatives like Towns Deals and the Future High Streets Fund, demonstrating a continued commitment to supporting towns across the UK.
This significant investment underlines the government’s focus on levelling up and creating a brighter future for communities across the nation.
