Matt Vickers, MP for Stockton South has welcomed a Government Grant of £16,543,812 for Stockton High Street as part of Future High Streets Fund
• To date the Government has invested nearly £830 million to towns across England from the Future High Streets Fund
• Investment will help support areas to recover from the pandemic and help transform underused town centres into vibrant places to live, work and shop.
• Ambitious plans will help protect and create thousands of jobs as part of the levelling up agenda.
Matt Vickers MP and current chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Retail and has been actively campaigning for investment in our High Streets and pushing the case for changes to business ratings.
In a major boost, Stockton will receive over £16 Million to create new opportunities for Stockton High Street.
The money will ensure the transformation of the high street and allow it to once again be a vibrant hub for the community.
In a key milestone for the Government’s levelling up agenda, this investment will help areas to recover from the pandemic while also driving long term growth. It will enable the delivery of ambitious regeneration plans, and fund new local projects such as improvements to transport infrastructure, and the transformation of underused spaces.
The funding will seek to protect and create thousands of jobs in a range of industries, delivering opportunities and prosperity to communities across England.
Confirmed plans across England include:
· £24.6 million to support the delivery of 186 new homes, road safety improvements and a permanent new space for the historic market in Birkenhead.
· £17.9 million to boost Worcester town centre by renovating the Scala Theatre and Corn Exchange, transforming underused space to create new homes for first time buyers and improving connectivity.
· £25 million for Swindon’s plans to modernise its town centre, including a new public transport hub and improved cycle and pedestrian routes.
Stockton will soon be able to boast of its plans and this fiscal boost allows the area to be ambitious.
This investment is part of wider support being provided to communities and businesses, helping to protect jobs, support the most vulnerable and ensure no one is left behind as we tackle the Covid-19 pandemic head on.
Stockton South MP, Matt Vickers said:
“This is a fantastic festive gift for Stockton and will result in real positive change for our area. The role of high streets has evolved and this funding will allow our town centre to change and adapt to meet its modern role.
“Stockton High Street has an incredible history and continues to have some wonderful independent retailers, I want to see it become a place we can be proud of again.
“I have continuously lobbied for more money for our high street as I know the huge difference it could make. It will give a much needed boost to our local retail sector, create more jobs and make Stockton a brilliant place to visit, live and work.
“This Government must also continue to support our high streets to get through this pandemic through business grants, furlough , rates holidays, tax deferrals and fundamental change to the rates system.
