The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has announced the two areas that will benefit from a new bespoke regeneration project, forming a key part of the government’s levelling up programme.
Tailored regeneration plans will be rolled out in the twenty areas of the country that are most in need of levelling up, with Hull and Sandwell being confirmed as the two areas that will benefit first. The plans will be supported by £20 million of funding for each area, with the Levelling Up Department working over the last six months to recognise the unique opportunities and challenges that exist in the areas.
Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, said:
“Levelling Up Partnerships are about delivering long term solutions for local areas, working closely with communities on tailored interventions to overcome their unique challenges and seize new opportunities.
“That’s why I’m thrilled to be announcing the first two Levelling Up Partnerships in Sandwell and Hull today backed by £40m of government funding.
“No matter where you live in the UK, everyone should be given the chance to stay local, but go far.”
Funding will be awarded in the coming weeks, with this being supported by the Levelling Up Department as they work as a strategic partner to deliver Hull and Sandwell’s agreed plans, whilst also championing place-based approaches across government.
In Hull, the department will work alongside Hull City Council to invest in improved training facilities to compliment the range of employment opportunities within the green energy sector. This will see investment in colleges, with the next generation of green workers being trained as part of a drive to bring Hull to the forefront of the green energy sector. Alongside this, community centres will have access to a £1 million flexible funding pot to help improve their premises and make sure that people have access to the growing community support network.
With historically low educational attainment and health outcomes, Sandwell will be given funding to improve the facilities in the Millenium Community centre. This will allow for pop-up health hubs, as well as green spaces. Also seeing investment, Sandwell’s strong transport links to the rest of the West Midlands will be complimented by funding to delvier 650 more homes in close proximity to new and improving transport infrastructure.
Wednesbury in Sandwell will also be allocated £4.5 million to help with improvement to the town centre. This will be done through the installation of new lighting, pedestrian areas, litter bins and urban greening, with the goal of attracting new businesses and improving the levels of pride in place.
Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, added:
“This Levelling Up Partnership delivers very welcome funding for local projects that will make a real difference in the lives of local people. That impact covers a wide range of areas including enhancing job prospects, reinvigorating town centres like Wednesbury, ensuring a better start in life for young people and providing opportunities to get more active in nearby green spaces.
“This funding will strengthen communities and boost economic growth. I’m particularly pleased to see more than £11m earmarked for the clean-up of the former sewage works at Friar Park – paving the way for a new urban village. The size of more than 32 football pitches, this is one of the largest brownfield sites in the country - set to be transformed with the construction of more than 600 new homes. The WMCA has been working closely with Sandwell Council on this scheme and this announcement is great news for the project.
“Local collaboration – in partnership with Government – will enable us to continue to change lives for the better right across our region in the months and years ahead.”
Successful intervention schemes in Grimsby, Blackpool and Blyth have formed the basis for Levelling Up Partnerships, as the Deep Dive Programme saw the Levelling Up Department work alongside local leaders and businesses to address the unique challenges that are faced in each town.
To hear more on Levelling Up, from leaders and key figures within the UK public sector, register for Public Sector Executive's Levelling Up virtual event here.
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