High Wycombe shortlisted in Future High Streets Fund

High Wycombe has joined a shortlist of towns that will progress to the next phase of the Future High Streets Fund.

The funding could be used to improve transport and access into town centres, convert empty retail units into new homes and workplaces and invest in vital infrastructure.

Previously only 50 towns were the shortlist however on Monday 26th August 2019 it was confirmed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson that an additional 50 towns would be added giving a total of 100 towns that might eventually benefit from a share of the £1billion High Street rejuvenation pot.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: ‘Our high streets are right at the heart of our communities, and I will do everything I can to make sure they remain vibrant places where people want to go, meet and spend their money.

But with our town centres facing challenges, we’re today expanding the High Streets Fund to support over 100 high streets to regenerate – backed by £1 billion of vital investment.

This scheme is going to re-energise and transform even more of our high streets – helping them to attract new businesses, boost local growth, and create new infrastructure and jobs.‘

Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: ‘High streets have a crucial role to play as we work to grow the economy of all parts of the country.

Our £1 billion Future High Streets Fund is key to delivering this, empowering local leaders to help transform their high streets and town centres as consumer habits change, by investing in housing, workplaces, infrastructure and culture.

Interest in the Fund has been huge, and with so many strong applications, I am extending the number of towns moving forward to the next phase and getting a chance to develop their proposals.

The government is going to level-up our regional economies and as Communities Secretary I am proud to be driving this agenda forward.‘

The second phase of the Future High Streets Fund will see successful candidates receive up to £150,000 to support the development of detailed project proposals that can be submitted for capital funding.

Launched in December 2018, the scheme is a key part of the Government’s plan to renew and reshape town centres and high streets in a way that drives economic growth and sustainably improves living standards.

*Source of article : Press release from the Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street.