Kate Griffiths MP has successfully secured £22.8 million to regenerate Burton town centre as part of the Government’s Towns Fund.
In today’s Budget (Wednesday 3rd March) the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, announced that Burton upon Trent has been successful in its bid to the Government’s Town’s Fund programme, and is set to receive £22.8 million to spend on proposals to regenerate its town centre, and build a more sustainable future for our town post-COVID.
The Government’s Towns Fund is a £3.6 billion programme to invest in towns as part of its plans to level up all regions across the UK.
Kate Griffiths MP—who sits on Burton’s Town Deal Board alongside Burton Albion’s Sir Ben Robinson—led the charge, lobbying Government ministers in support of Burton’s Town Deal bid, which will see significant investment pouring into the historic brewing town’s high street.
Examples of the Burton Town Board proposals include:
- enhancing historic buildings in Burton town centre;
- establishing a new regional learning centre to improve local skills and development training prospects; and
- building a Washlands cycle and pedestrian bridge to encourage more people to visit the town centre.
Commenting, Kate Griffiths MP said:
“A key priority for me when I was first elected was to secure new investment for Burton and revitalise our town centres.
“Our high streets are a source of great local pride, but for some time Burton and other town centres have not seen the investment they need.
“I am delighted that the Government has seen the potential that Burton and its bid has to offer, with the announcement of a staggering £22.8 million to be spent on town centre improvements.
“This is a landmark announcement, and I will now support the effort to deliver these ambitious projects, ensuring residents are fully involved at this exciting opportunity to improve our town’s economy, employment and future.”
The Town Deal Board will now develop their initial proposals further, and draft plans will be subject to very welcome further public consultation.
Kate Griffiths MP is also committed to ensuring the benefits of Uttoxeter are fully realised, and that it receives its fair share of investment for its own plans.
