Midlands gets largest share of Government’s £95m regeneration fund
Historic English shopping centres are set to benefit from a £95m regeneration fund, the government has said, with the largest share going to the Midlands.
Sixty nine towns and cities will receive money, with projects aimed at turning disused buildings into shops, houses and community centres.
£21.1m, will go to the Midlands, with £2m going to restore buildings in Coventry that survived World War Two bombing.
The government said the move would “breathe new life” into High Streets.
The initiative will be funded by combining £40m from the Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport’s Heritage High Street Fund with £52m from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Future High Street Fund. £3m will be provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support a cultural programme to engage people in the life and history of their high streets.
The investment builds on the Heritage Action Zones programme, run by Historic England, and will turn empty and underused buildings into creative spaces, offices, retail outlets and housing to support wider regeneration.
Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan said: “Our nation’s heritage is one of our great calling cards to the world, attracting millions of visitors to beautiful historic buildings that sit at the heart of our communities.
“It is right that we ensure these buildings are preserved for future generations but it is important that we make them work for the modern world.
“This £95 million will help breathe new life into high streets all over England, benefiting businesses, supporting our much-loved buildings and helping to make our communities more attractive places to live, work and visit.”
Historic England’s chief executive Duncan Wilson said: “Our high streets are the beating hearts of our communities. Many have roots that go back hundreds of years. Their historic buildings and distinctive character tell the story of how our towns and cities have changed over time. They are places where people come together to socialise, shop, run businesses and be part of their local community, but now they face an uncertain future.
“Through physical improvements and cultural activities, we will work with partners to find new ways to regenerate our high streets. It is a challenge, but with our experience and track record, as well as the knowledge and passion of local councils, businesses and community groups our historic high streets can be thriving social hubs once more.”
Indicative allocation by region:
London and the South East: £14.3m
South West: £13.7m
East of England: £7m
Midlands: £21.1m
North East and Yorkshire: £17.2m
North West: £18.7m
Midlands:
Brierley Hill
Buxton
Coventry
Grantham
Hinckley
Kettering Town Centre
Leicester
Leominster
Lincoln
Newark-on-Trent Town Centre
Oswestry
Stoke on Trent
Wednesbury Town Centre
