For crying out loud Wolverhampton’s a Portas Pilot

WOLVERHAMPTON has been chosen as one of 12 towns and cities in the UK to receive a share of a £1.2m government project designed to rejuvenate rundown shopping areas.

The money has been dubbed “Portas Cash” after the shopping guru Mary Portas who put forward ideas for revamping Britain’s declining high streets in a review last year.

The city’s share of the cash is £100,000 and projects proposed include introducing modern day town criers and on-street performers plus a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style competition to support local entrepreneurs.

Around 370 towns and cities entered the bidding to become a Portas Pilot; other winners include Bedford, Croydon and Stockport.

Local Government Minister Grant Shapps said: “The best local high streets offer more than simply shopping – they are the beating heart of their neighbourhoods: places to meet, work, relax and come together as a community. It’s why this competition to become a Portas Pilot has captured the imagination of the nation, with communities across the country uniting to support their high streets.

“The quality and sheer number of applications has been overwhelming – 12 winning bids now have the chance receive expert advice and financial support, but I believe more towns deserve to be selected.

“So today I can announce a second round of the competition will see 15 more town centres benefit from this unique opportunity. 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.”

Wolverhampton City Council already has ideas on securing a second winning bid, this time with the focus on Bilston town centre.