Seven North West towns secure fund to boost regeneration

Seven North West areas are set to benefit from over £167.1m to boost regeneration as part of the final set of Towns Fund deals.

Birkenhead, Crewe, Darwen, Millom, Nelson, Runcorn and St Helens have been offered Town Deals through the Government’s Towns Fund and brings total investment in the North West region to £486.2m.

The Town Deals will drive forward ambitious regeneration plans, and fund new local projects such as improvements to transport infrastructure, new homes and the transformation of underused spaces.

These landmark deals will help fund important work across the North West including:

• £20.6m to attract visitors to Millom by highlighting the history and heritage of the town, creating a fully accessible new park, bringing historic buildings back to life and the creation of a new community leisure hub.
• £22.9m to boost the creative and leisure sectors in Crewe through an enhanced Lyceum Theatre and the regeneration of Flag Lane Baths, as well as repurposing empty shops on the high street to create vibrant new public spaces.

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Luke Hall said:  “It’s been a challenging time for towns across the country, which is why it’s more important than ever we give them the support they need to build back better from the pandemic.

“People across the North West will feel the benefit of this Towns Fund investment, as it powers local plans, revitalising town centres and making them great places to live, work and visit.

“We’ve now confirmed nearly half a billion pounds from the Fund in the North West, backing innovative projects such as regenerating the Flag Lane Baths and creating new public spaces in Crewe to ensure that the region can flourish for generations to come.”