Telford secures European cash for town centre enhancement scheme

TELFORD and Wrekin Council has secured £750,000 from the West Midlands European Regional Development Fund programme to invest in its shared space scheme in Telford town centre.

The funding is in addition to the £6.1m already received from the Department for Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

The council said the funding would enable the delivery of a high-quality scheme that will complement the larger Southwater development.

Norman Price, the deputy chairman of the West Midlands ERDF Local Management Committee, said: “To attract new investment and businesses to locate to a town, the local area needs to look visually appealing and be seen as desirable and vibrant.

“This is the plan for Telford town centre and with the help of £750,000 ERDF funding, the project will improve the town’s urban environment.”

Improvements include better landscaping and street furniture, plus the creation of a mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly environment designed to support the Southwater development.

“I am really pleased that we have been able to contribute to this priority investment in Telford,” he added.

Cllr Hilda Rhodes, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet lead for Transport, said: “It’s fantastic news that we have been able to secure this funding and I’d like to say a big thank you to the ERDF for their support.

“This will mean that the ongoing highways infrastructure improvements that are taking place in the town centre – including making the box road two way – are even further enhanced.”

The ERDF, managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government, helps areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs.