Latest news with #FutureHighStreetsFund
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Amphitheatre 'undermined' by £65 fee for use
Town councillors have criticised a council for charging for free public events to be held at a new amphitheatre. Run by Somerset Council, the Triangle in Yeovil opened in January, but has played host to only a limited number of events, with the site's fountain and giant TV screen currently out of operation. Yeovil town councillors Adrian Wilkes and Tareth Casey have criticised Somerset Council for attempting to charge £64.59 for holding a town crier event, arguing it "completely undermines the very reason the Triangle was built". Somerset Council said it charges a flat rate to all free public events in the town centre and a separate quote was provided for the town crier event. More news stories for Somerset Listen to the latest news for Somerset It also said while a switch-on date for the fountain would be confirmed, the TV screen was due to go live on 18 June, reported the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Venting his frustrations on his official Facebook page following a discussion with town council chief executive Amanda Card the day before, Wilkes said: "Despite the investment from central government into our town's Yeovil Refresh project, the 'owner' of our town centre (Somerset Council) is charging Yeovil Town Council to use the Triangle to hold civic events." "Why is Somerset Council charging the people of Yeovil to use our town to hold our civic events, in places paid for by central government?," he questioned. Meanwhile, Casey said he had "raised serious concerns with the leader of Somerset Council" about the lack of use of the Triangle. "This space was redeveloped using millions of pounds from the government's Future High Streets Fund, with a clear purpose: to host events, performances, and community gatherings and bring life back into the town centre. Yet despite being officially opened, nothing has happened there. "This was public money, invested in a public space, for public benefit. It should be free and accessible for local groups and community events – not caught up in red tape and hidden charges," he added. A Somerset Council spokesperson said it currently charged the flat rate of £64.59 (inclusive of VAT) for the hire of their open spaces. "This administration fee helps to cover officer time spent on issuing the permit and supporting the event," they said. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Town centre's entertainment space unveiled Theatre and big TV screen set to open after delays Town's theatre and big TV screen delayed Local Democracy Reporting Service Somerset Council Yeovil Town Council
BBC News
19-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Two further Stafford sites to be bought for council redevelopment
A council is set to buy two more shops in a town centre as part of plans to regenerate the Borough Council had already purchased the former Guildhall Shopping Centre and former Co-op department demolition cost for the premises was lower than estimated, a council report said, which enabled the purchase of the additional sites using money available from the Future High Streets sites have not been publicly identified due to commercial sensitivity. The authority was given £14.3m by the government in 2020 to help fund the town centre regeneration work has started to demolish the shopping centre and department store, their historic frontages will be retained, with the sites retained for future commercial, retail and residential decision to buy the additional sites was agreed by cabinet members at a meeting on Thursday."The acquisitions perfectly fit into our commitment to transforming the town centre in Stafford and form part of the wider regeneration programme which seeks to deliver urban regeneration to Stafford town centre," said councillor Rob Kenney. He added he was "positive" the borough's residents would also agree to their purchase using the remainder of the Future High Streets Fund grant."This investment into all the acquisition sites will generate not only further investment into those sites but wider investment into Stafford town centre generally, creating a place for people to visit, to live in, to work in and relax in."The authority added it would be meeting with a number of potential investors later in the month. This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
ITV News
14-05-2025
- Business
- ITV News
Premier Inn to takeover former Central Plaza site in Carlisle
Derelict land in Carlisle city centre could be transformed into a new hotel with more than a hundred bedrooms. Cumberland Council says Premier Inn want to redevelop the former Central Plaza hotel site on Victoria Viaduct. The former Central Plaza site in Carlisle has been acquired by Whitbread PLC, the parent company of the Premier Inn hotel chain. The deal was agreed with Cumberland Council with the site being empty for several years. Carlisle City Council demolished and cleared the hotel that stood on the site during 2020 after it became structurally unsafe. Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said: 'I am delighted that an investor has been secured for the site. It is another important step forward for the regeneration for Carlisle city centre. "Work is already underway on city centre transformation schemes and the Citadels Railway Station redevelopment, with plans also in place for the University of Cumbria site too. All will bring transformational change to the city." To assist with the redevelopment of the land Cumberland Council has used funding from the UK Government Future High Streets Fund to undertake enabling works which include repairs to the gable wall of the Green Room Theatre, located on West Walls. Whitbread Acquisition Manager, Jill Anderson, commented: 'We're excited to bring Premier Inn to the heart of Carlisle, providing high-quality, affordable hotel accommodation in a prime and accessible location. "This development underscores our commitment to expanding Premier Inn across the north of England, supporting local economies, and creating lasting employment opportunities. "We're proud to be investing in Carlisle's future and bringing this important city centre site back into long-term use." A planning application is set to be submitted this summer with the target opening date being 2028.
BBC News
01-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Derby city centre revamp scheme set to be completed by summer
A project to revamp part of Derby city centre with a new outdoor space, playground and climbing feature is expected to be completed this summer, developers have centre Derbion is leading the scheme to redevelop the space where the former Castle and Falcon pub stood, which will see a new facade, urban garden, planting and benches project is being funded in part by Derby City Council through the government's Future High Streets Fund with additional funds from McDonald, managing director for the shopping centre, said the scheme would enhance the "vibrancy and attractiveness" of the city centre. 'Exciting vision' Leaders also hope to attract additional family-friendly activities and pop-up food stalls once the area has fully addition, planning is in progress for a large-format advertising wall, with installation expected in the autumn or winter if McDonald said: "The Eastern Gateway project forms part of an exciting vision for Derbion, contributing further to the vibrancy and attractiveness of the city centre."With development now in its final phase, we're looking forward to seeing the transformative impact that this project has in providing a new, welcoming and inclusive space for visitors."Derby City Council was awarded £15m through the government's Future High Streets Fund to support the development of the city centre, with £3m allocated to the Eastern Gateway project. Derbion has funded a further £1m towards the development.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Key milestone in historic town hall refurbishment
The refurbishment of a Grade II listed town hall has reached a key milestone. Construction hoarding around Trowbridge Town Hall is set to be removed on 28 April, having been in place since August 2023. The hall was built in 1887 and is being restored to continue its use as a community and arts venue, with improved facilities. The work is part of a £16m project with the money awarded to Wiltshire Council from the government's Future High Streets Fund. "While the building won't be open to the public until the summer, it's great to see this wonderful Grade II listed building coming back to life," said Parvis Khansari, Wiltshire Council corporate director. More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire The hoarding will be removed during the evenings of 28 - 30 April. Market Street and Silver Street will be closed to traffic each evening during the work but pedestrians will still have access. The taxi rank opposite the town hall will also be closed during the work. Renovations at the historic building include the addition of new lifts, recording studios and cafe and bar spaces. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Historic town hall decorated as scaffolding comes down Historic town hall's roof refurbishment begins Hundreds of homes to be built on historic airfield
