Towns to share over

The government has announced that 26 towns in England will share over £610 million to enhance their local economies, create jobs and enable them to build back better in the pandemic.

The new Towns Deals vary from seaside towns like Hastings and Hartlepool to the historic market towns of Bedford and Bishop Auckland. The funding will help them to grow their local economies, while also carving out new possibilities to reshape the appearance and feel of their areas.

The Town Deals will help breathe new life into neglected areas or unused buildings by creating vibrant spaces for businesses, community events or necessary new homes. Projects likewise incorporate renovations to attractions like Hastings Castle helping to boost the cultural and tourism offers of towns.

Sustainability reaches the heart of numerous from the schemes with new greener transport infrastructure including cycle paths and pedestrian walkways that will connect areas within the greenest possible way. Today’s announcement implies that 79 Towns Deals have finally been agreed – totalling over £2 billion investment in communities across England.

Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “We are levelling up cities and towns across the country because they build stronger and more resilient local economies, boosting prosperity and opportunity in our communities, and helping them build back better from the pandemic. Today I am announcing new town deals in 26 areas, backed by over £610 million investment from the Towns Fund. This will support locally-led projects to transform disused buildings and public spaces, deliver new green transport and make new opportunities for people to develop additional skills. This is a boost for communities and businesses across England.”