Stockport and Nelson gain Portas Pilot status
STOCKPORT and Nelson were two of the towns to be named as “Portas Pilots” as part of Government plans to revitalise high streets.
Local Government minister Grant Shapps announced the first 12 towns to gain a share of a £1.2m funding pot on Saturday. Alongside the cash, they will also receive a tailored package of support both from the minister and from retail guru Mary Portas.
Each town had to submit ideas to revitalise part of their town centres in order to gain a share of the cash. Stockport’s bid has been based on revitalising the market and the adjoining Underbanks area, which has recently been refurbished but has suffered from high void rates. It plans to add a new creative arts complex, host outdoor screenings and by implementing a new parking strategy to boost trade.
Meanwhile, Nelson’s bid was based on attracting local students into the town with a young persons café, sports activities, and a new art and vintage market.
Mr Shapps also announced that the Portas Pilots scheme would be extended to a further 15 towns and cities via a second round of bids. He said that any town centre teams which had been unsuccessful could resubmit bids by June 30. New bids are also being accepted.
He said: “The quality and sheer number of applications has been overwhelming – 12 winning bids now have the chance to receive expert advice and financial support, but I believe more towns deserve to be selected.
“Together, these pilots can be the vanguard of a high street revolution, and others can look to their example to kick start a renaissance of our town centres.”
Mary Portas said: “I’ve been deeply touched by both the quality and creativity of the bids and the momentum Britain’s first town teams have generated in just a few short weeks.
“It is now clearer to me than ever that Britain wants its town centres revitalised and the energy and accountability for that needs to rest with the people who live and do business there. My sincere congratulations to everyone who entered.”
Cllr Sue Derbyshire, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Stockport. It’s a testament to the enthusiasm, commitment and inspiration of local businesses, market traders, organisations and residents, who worked with the council to make ours a winning bid.
“But this is only the start. Work establishing our new ‘town team’ – made up of all the town centre partners- has already begun. They will work hard to get the best for the town centre, reduce the number of empty shops and develop an exciting new cultural quarter around our unique historic market area.
Meanwhile, Pendle Borough Council leader Cllr Joe Cooney said that Nelson was chosen “due to the strength of our bid, which focussed on our plans to tackle the numbers of empty shops in the town and involve more young people in their town centre.
“The success of our bid just goes to show what can be achieved when the local community, traders and the Council all work together – and this is only the beginning!”
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