Further 57 high streets to receive share of over £830m funding

The government has chosen 57 more high streets to receive new funding million to help them reopen and recover from the pandemic.

Along with the 15 areas announced earlier, they will share over £830 million from the Future High Streets Fund to improve transport links, build new homes and transform underused spaces as part of the government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda

“This funding is part of wider support we are providing to communities and businesses, to protect jobs, support the most vulnerable and ensure no one is left behind as we recover from pandemic,” Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said.

“This investment will make a huge difference to towns and cities across England and transform themselves in desired places to shop, visit, live and work.”

Confirmed plans include £17.28m for Grimsby to create a new multiplex cinema and market food hall, which hopes to boost visitor numbers to the town centre; £13.96m investment for Taunton to build new homes, business spaces and hospitality venues, as well as an outdoor performance venue for events to boost visitor numbers; and £6.28m for Sutton-in-Ashfield for the refurbishment of the Sutton Academy theatre space and repurposing of vacant retail space into offices and hospitality venues.