Council update on Future High Streets Fund bid

Rossendale Council has confirmed it is considering putting forward one of its town centres for recently announced government funding.

£675m is available nationally to help town centres adapt to the changes in the way people shop and use them.

There is strict criteria. Government have confirmed it is only for town centres that are facing significant challenges. There is likely to be very tough competition for funding.

Officers from the Economic Development Team are looking closely at the criteria to see which of the borough’s towns has the best chance of securing funding.

The first stage of the process is to submit an expression of interest by late March with the highest scoring bids nationally invited to apply for a first stage application in the Summer.

Councillor Alyson Barnes, Leader of the Council, said:

“It’s really tough for the high street at the moment. But as we can see from what is happening in Rawtenstall, with a bit of imagination, vision and partnership working, town centres can buck that national trend. What we need is more funding so we are always interested in any pot of money we can bid for.

“All of the town centres in Rossendale come with their own unique challenges and all need investment. For this fund though, we have to put forward the town centre which best meets the criteria.

“The competition will be fierce but I believe we will be able to make a strong case for whichever place we put forward.

“Of course we will be calling on our local MPs, especially Jake as Northern Powerhouse Minister, to support our bid for this.

“Working on this bid won’t stop us continuing the search for funding. We have a good track record of bringing in resources as we have seen from Spinning Point and Bacup THI.

“For example, Rossendale Council has submitted an expression of interest to the Heritage Fund to support a new town centre bid for Haslingden. The Council will be allocating an additional £160,000 of match funding to support a funding bid which is expected to be in the region of £2 million.

“We are determined to revitalise all our town centres so people are proud of them and that they are fit for the future.”

For more details, visit the website or contact Economic Development by calling 01706 252480 or emailing economicdevelopment@rossendalebc.gov.uk