Bid for more than £18m worth of Levelling Up cash to enhance town centre

Wakefield Council has submitted a bid for millions of pounds of Government funding to improve the Hill Top area of Knottingley, including a boost to recreational and family leisure activities.

The application for Levelling Up Funding, reflects feedback from residents and businesses, with a wish list that includes improvements to shops, the expansion of walking and cycling links and the creation of more recreational space for children and young people.

The £18.65m funding is not guaranteed, as councils across England are competing against each other for cash.

Councillor Darren Byford, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We know this is a very competitive process, and this funding is not guaranteed, as we are competing against other councils.

“We hope this £18.65m bid succeeds as this would make a significant impact and would enable us to deliver fantastic projects that will bring real benefits to residents and businesses by improving the town centre, creating play areas and boosting wellbeing by promoting active travel in Knottingley.”

Cllr Tom Gordon, Knottingley ward councillor, said: “I am incredibly proud of the work that has gone into producing this ambitious Levelling Up Fund bid.

“I am grateful to both the leader of the council, Cllr Denise Jeffery, and cabinet member for regeneration, Darren Byford, for working with local councillors to put forward a proposal which, if successful, would deliver what residents of Knottingley & Ferrybridge want – a leisure centre.”

Government will scrutinise the bid against the characteristics of the area, the strategic fit within the Knottingley Masterplan, value for money, whether it can be delivered by 2025 and whether residents support the proposals.

The result of the bid is expected in the autumn of 2022.

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