Barrow-in-Furness, Blackpool, Darlington, Peterborough, Norwich, Torquay and Warrington are set to benefit from up to £178.7m in new Town Deals
The seven communities are the first of 101 places to be offered a Town Deal and work will now begin with these areas to confirm final funding.
These deals will see millions invested in projects across the country, including:
- £39.5m to be used to update the Blackpool Illuminations, for a return to tourism after the Covid-19 pandemic and to support the development of the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone
- £21.9m to modernise Torquay town centre, transforming it into a retail and leisure destination for people visiting, working and living in the town as well as improving transport links with a new focus on walking and cycling routes
- £22.9m investment for Peterborough to lay the groundwork for low carbon living, supporting healthy lifestyles and encourage enterprise and innovation. Planned projects include a skills centre for green technologies, enterprise hub and a new pedestrian bridge
Communities secretary, Robert Jenrick, said: “This government is levelling up opportunity all across the country.
“We are unlocking the full potential of towns and communities, giving them the support that they need to thrive and the seven Towns Fund Deals that I am announcing today mark the start of locally designed regeneration projects across the country.
“Backed by £180m, we are boosting skills, job creation and connectivity in these 7 towns – providing investment and confidence at a crucial time for these communities.”
