Council gives nod to £10m investment plans

Warwick District Council’s cabinet has approved the allocation of more than £10m from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to progress key investment projects in and around Leamington town centre.

A three-year plan was agreed for the Future High Street Funding, which will be received in stages.

The first projects include improvements to the Town Hall to develop a creative hub, and regenerating the derelict buildings in Spencer Yard to provide space for the growing creative and digital gaming sector.

Future stages will involve working with partners to bring forward further elements of the wider Creative Quarter, as well as building a more sustainable movement network for the town, as part of the Climate Emergency Action programme.

Warwick District Council’s John Cooke said: “We very much hope that the implementation of our plans will not only create an environment for businesses to flourish, but will also provide a catalyst for further investment and regeneration.

“In addition, the environmental credentials of each project will be a priority, be it by the use of low carbon technologies and sustainable building materials and techniques, or the encouragement of more sustainable transport options, such as walking and cycling to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.”