By Leah Conway –
Plans for regenerating Dewsbury have received a significant boost of £24.8M. On the evening of 7 June, the government announced that they would support the Dewsbury Town Investment Plan.
The funding will support nine projects to improve the local economy and environment for both residents and businesses across Dewsbury.
The council submitted a bid to the government’s Towns Fund to support its regeneration ambitions for Dewsbury in January. Ministers announced last night that the bid had been successful. It will receive £24.8M to support the projects across Dewsbury.
The team of Council Leader, local Dewsbury MP and Dewsbury Town Board have worked with residents and businesses for months to put together an investment programme. It aims to help regenerate and transform Dewsbury over the coming years. Projects included in the plan include investment in The Arcade, Dewsbury Market, improving roads, and more.
The bid will also invest in jobs and skills for local people and support Dewsbury’s historic buildings and creative scene.
The council will provide further financial support for the regeneration of Dewsbury Town. Additionally, bids and funding for individual projects made available through public and private sections.
Big deal for Dewsbury
Leader of Kirklees Council, Cllr Shabir Pandor, said: “This announcement is a big deal for Dewsbury. I’m delighted that the government has agreed to match our ambition for improving the local economy and environment for residents, businesses and visitors across the town. This bid was submitted as part of a competitive process and I’m really pleased we’ve been able to demonstrate what we can achieve for Dewsbury.
“We’ve talked to local people and businesses about the improvements they want to see in Dewsbury, and we will continue to work together to bring the plan to life. There’s a lot of work to do but this is a real vote of confidence for everyone who believes we can unlock Dewsbury’s economic potential and improve the lives and prospects of everyone who lives there.”
Mark Eastwood, MP for Dewsbury, said: “This is a huge step forward for Dewsbury. Our bid was ambitious, so I’m really pleased the government has recognised the scale of our plans and is agreeing to make such a substantial contribution to deliver it.
“Each of these projects will improve lives for local people and support Dewsbury businesses to prosper for years to come. The plan will also put Dewsbury on the map as a place to invest. I’m grateful to all the businesses and residents in Dewsbury who played a part in getting the bid over the line.”
Rob Norreys, Chair of the Dewsbury Town Board, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in this successful bid. The funding will help us speed up our plans to transform Dewsbury for businesses and residents.
“This bid shows what you can achieve when you work in partnership and that’s the spirit we will take forwards as we deliver the plan.”