REDDITCH could benefit from up to £25million from the £3.6billion ‘Towns Fund’ announced by the Government today.
It 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’.
Communities, businesses and local leaders will now join forces to draw up ambitious plans to transform their town’s economic growth prospects with a focus on improved transport, broadband connectivity, skills and culture.
If approved, it could improve connectivity, provide vital social and cultural infrastructure and boost growth in Redditch – with communities having a say on how the money is spent.
The news comes a week after Redditch missed out on a share of the Government’s multi million pound Future High Streets Fund for the second time.
The government will soon publish a prospectus to guide towns through the process and set eligibility criteria for funding.
Council Leader Matt Dormer said: “The Conservative administration has made no secret about our commitment to ‘Unlocking Redditch’ as we know what potential this town has.
“This is a great opportunity for us to get our ideas down and share our vision for Redditch and put forward a proposal to the Local Government Secretary.
“Being on the list of the 100 places eligible for this cash is great news and we will work together with our communities and partners to successfully claim what Redditch deserves.”
Councillor Mike Rouse, whose portfolio covers Leisure & cultural services, added: “I am especially pleased to see that culture is listed as one of the key aspects of this fund.”
