King's Lynn is set for a £25 million investment boost from the Towns Fund it has been announced as part of the government's commitment to level up and spread opportunity.
Commenting on the announcement, James said:
“I’m delighted to have helped secure this major investment to boost skills, improve the town centre, promote our strong Shakespeare links and heritage, and support new and growing businesses.
With funding already secured for a new School of Nursing Studies, North West Norfolk is really benefitting from the government’s commitment to spread opportunity and level up.
I now look forward to helping deliver these ambitious plans as part of the Towns Fund board and making Lynn an even better place to live, work, and visit."
The plans submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government in February were developed by the Towns Fund Board focusing on the themes of innovative growing businesses and a skilled workforce, a sustainably connected town, and a historic riverfront and repurposed town centre. The proposals reflected engagement with local people, businesses, and other groups on ideas to improve our town and support economic growth. .
The projects include a new Youth and Retraining Pledge to provide new opportunities for skills and support those affected by Covid-19 to retrain; projects to improve the town centre and public spaces; a new multi-user community hub to provide a one stop shop for accessing a range of services; a restored St George’s Guildhall complex and creative hub; an innovation and collaboration incubator for businesses; proposals for better transport connectivity and cycling and walking; and regeneration of the historic riverfront.
The Towns Fund Board will determine the balance of the £25 million investment against the projects submitted as part of the Town Investment Plan and will need to meet the conditions in the Head of Terms agreement with the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government.
Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:
“We are levelling up towns and cities across the country by building stronger and more resilient local economies, boosting prosperity and opportunity in our communities, and helping them build back better from the pandemic.
Today I am announcing new town deals in 26 areas, backed by over £610 million investment from the Towns Fund. This will support locally-led projects to transform disused buildings and public spaces, deliver new green transport and create new opportunities for people to develop new skills. This is a boost for communities and businesses across England.”
For more information on the Towns Fund please visit https://www.visionkingslynn.co.uk/
