Additional Future High Streets Fund winners announced

The government has confirmed for a further 57 areas will receive funding under its Future High Streets scheme.

In total, 72 English high streets – from Penzance to South Shields – will share over £830 million as part of the fund, with 57 of these areas announced today (18 May).

According to the government, this funding will provide a much-needed boost for towns as they safely welcome shoppers and visitors back to their high streets.

Confirmed plans include:

• £17.28m for Grimsby will create a new multiplex cinema and market food hall, which hopes to boost visitor numbers to the town centre. A new public square and events space will be created bringing more vitality and buzz to the high street.
• £13.96 million investment for Taunton to build new homes, business spaces and hospitality venues, as well as an outdoor performance venue for events to boost visitor numbers.
• £6.28 million for Sutton-in-Ashfield for the refurbishment of the Sutton Academy theatre space and repurposing of vacant retail space into offices and hospitality venues. A new pop-up food and events space as well as better pedestrian links will encourage more local people to visit the town centre for special events and festivals.

The Future High Streets Fund was launched in December 2018 and is a key part of this government’s plan to renew and reshape town centres – making them a more attractive place to live, work and visit

‘This funding is part of wider support we are providing to communities and businesses, to protect jobs, support the most vulnerable and ensure no one is left behind as we recover from pandemic,’ said communities secretary, Robert Jenrick.

‘This investment will make a huge difference to towns and cities across England and transform themselves in desired places to shop, visit, live and work.
‘The Future High Streets Fund will support towns, communities and businesses as we get back to enjoying the best of what the high street has to offer.’