Latest news with #LevellingUpFund
Powys County Times
7 hours ago
- Business
- Powys County Times
Millions in funding secured for transport and roads in Powys
Over £10 million has been secured in levelling-up funding to improve roads and transport. MP for Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr, Steve Witherden has announced £10m secured for 'vital economic regeneration projects' in Powys. Ministers have confirmed Powys will receive an allocation of up to £10,797,949.27 in 2025/26 as part of this Government's economic regeneration initiatives, the largest amount provided to a local authority in this round of funding. The funding, which comes as part of the Levelling Up Fund scheme, will enable Powys County Council to start work on projects to boost connectivity and support the tourist economy. The scheme includes support for rights of way refurbishment and road resurfacing as well as measures focused on active travel. Powys County Council bosses told the County Times that further details on specific projects would be revealed in the coming weeks. 'I'm really delighted we've been able to secure this funding,' said Mr Witherden. 'This money will go a long way towards improving our community infrastructure across Montgomeryshire. 'I was elected last year on a promise to deliver the vital upgrades to infrastructure that we need both locally and nationally after many years of decline. 'This money will improve the state of our roads, broaden connectivity, and help to boost the local economy. 'I will continue working hard to get a fair deal for people in Powys and make sure that we build on this progress.' Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get Unlimited access to the County Times website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app The government has said that these projects will 'make a meaningful contribution to strengthening community infrastructure and connectivity in Montgomeryshire'. Simon Lightwood MP, Minister for Local Transport, said: 'This money is proof that this Labour government is serious about bringing change all across the country. Creating sustainable, local growth is a key priority for this Labour government and this funding will help deliver that. 'Improving local transport and connectivity will make a massive difference by making it easier for people to travel to work and education, visit friends and family or access vital appointments. 'I'm grateful to Steve Witherden for his constructive support and will continue to work closely with him as we deliver our Plan for Change.'
Press and Journal
2 days ago
- Business
- Press and Journal
Neighbours raise concerns plans to breathe new life into a derelict pub site in Elgin will block their driveways
Welcome to Planning Ahead – our weekly round-up of the latest proposals across Moray. Sit back and enjoy all of the most interesting planning news. In this week's edition, plans to transform a toilet block into a cafe at Cooper Park in Elgin have been approved. Neighbours have objected to proposals to breathe new life into a derelict pub site in Elgin which has lain empty for almost six years. And a battery storage facility could be built just outside of Elgin. But first, we look at the arrival of a dog grooming salon at Threaplands Garden Centre. Plans have been approved for a dog grooming unit on the site of the Threaplands Garden Centre on the outskirts of Lhanbryde. The Portakabin-style unit will be behind an existing two-metre fence next to the car park. Owners of the garden centre have agreed to lease the land solely for this purpose. Pooch Pod owner Alison Tewnion is behind the proposals. Meanwhile, there will be a gate in the fence to access the unit and two dedicated parking spaces for people to arrive to drop off or pick up their pets. Opening hours will be 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday. The unit will have a small toilet inside for the owner and a wash sink for dog grooming. The dog owners will not be permitted access to stay in the unit while their dogs are being groomed. It is hoped clients will also pop into the garden centre to have a browse or a coffee before picking up their pets again. Now a building warrant has been submitted for £3,000 worth of drainage work to serve the portacabin. In December 2020, Pooch Pod owner Alison Tewnion opened up her business in her garden shed after being made redundant at Evri. Since then her business has been a hit. In 2022, she moved into Moycroft House in Elgin after outgrowing a unit at Pinefield Parade. She previously told the Press and Journal: 'It never crossed my mind to set up this business as I was so used to my job at the delivery firm. 'However, I love it and I wouldn't change it for the world.' The British Legion wants to make alterations to improve the Buckie branch's kitchen. According to a building warrant, the work could cost around £15,000 at the building at 65 High Street. S Reid Design is representing the British Legion in the process. Opdenergy UK wants to build a battery storage facility just outside Elgin. The building is proposed on land near the town's Quarrywood. It comprises of battery storage units, ancillary buildings and equipment and other works. Developers estimate the facility could hold 49.9MW, which is enough to power about 9,000 homes for a year. Planning permission is sought for 30 years. A rundown toilet block in Elgin's Cooper Park will be given a major makeover. Moray Council has been given the go-ahead to transform the loos beside the bowling green in the popular park into a cafe. The proposals are part of the wider regeneration project funded by £18.3m from the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund. This transformation will include an extension to the building and alterations to turn it into a cafe. Meanwhile, the facility will also have changing places toilet to support park users. The cafe will have indoor and outdoor seating with improvements to enhance the toilets and the visitor experience at Cooper Park. Now detailed design work and broader procurement is expected to be completed by autumn 2025 with construction in early 2026. In April, we revealed how Springfield Properties wanted to build eight new flats on the former Pinegrove Hotel site in Elgin. The land has been empty for almost six years. Each apartment will have an open plan kitchen and living area, two large bedrooms and plenty of storage. Now four neighbours have objected to the plans. They say the proposals show the development would block access to their driveways. One added: 'The plans also close off access to Balado and Avalon by placing a footpath, bin store and car parking spaces across their driveways. 'How will Springfield guarantee access to the four properties mentioned above during the construction phase?' Another described it as 'not acceptable' with proposals reducing them to what looked to be just a footpath and loss of vehicular access. Meanwhile, concerns have been raised the communal bins could encourage vermin and gulls leading to environmental issues if not properly maintained. The Pinegrove Hotel on Pinefield Crescent was a well-known watering hole for locals before it closed down in 1999. The building played host to countless wedding celebrations and parties over its long history. The former bar was most recently used as a place of worship by the Elgin Community Church. Then in 2019 demolition crews moved in and bulldozed the building. Since then, the land near two takeaways and housing has fallen into disuse. Today it is overgrown with weeds and is used by some as a dumping ground for rubbish.
BBC News
7 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Developer appointed for former Spode Works potbank in Stoke
Fresh plans to redevelop a former ceramics factory will include a proposal for more than 100 new homes after a developer was City Council agreed to appoint Capital & Centric as the developer for former potbank the Spode Works, in Stoke, on scheme would build on an existing Spode Works masterplan approved by the authority last year, adding plans for 116 flats and works to bring the historic China Hall back into site was previously awarded £10m from the government's Levelling Up Fund, and £6.5m will now be allocated to the developer. According to the developer's business plan, the proposals would additionally repurpose 820 sq m (8,826 sq ft) of floor space and create 650 sq m (6,996 sq ft) of new commercial first phase would see the submission of a planning application, with key buildings repaired for commercial with no "significant heritage value", including Gordon House in Kingsway would be demolished, the plan bids will also be submitted by the developer to restore the China Hall, which is the largest building on the two would involve further restoration works and the residential to government rules, the authority must spend the Levelling Up cash by next Finlay Gordon-McCusker said the appointment was a "major step forward" for the Spode Works and avoided a lengthy procurement added the regeneration "honours our past, delivers for our present and actually builds a future where Stoke town is alive with activity and culture and opportunity".Capital & Centric has already taken on the Goods Yard site in Stoke and is set to redevelop the Midway car park in applications will be submitted in the winter. Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Plans for £8m park revamp to include sports hub
Plans for the multi-million pound redevelopment of a city park have revealed it is set to include a new sports hub and all-weather football pitch. Sloughbottom Park in Norwich first opened its doors in 1929 but is now set to undergo a £8m redevelopment. An artist's impression of the park also outlines a new accessible play area, BMX track, car park, signage and lighting, as well as cycle highway connections. Andrew Dernie, chair of Norwich Town Deal Board said: "Investing in Norwich parks and open spaces is pivotal to increasing the well-being of city residents." The Sloughbottom project is funded by £7.6m from the Government's Levelling Up Fund and £850,000 from the Greater Norwich Growth Board. Officers from Norwich City Council said they would start speaking to the local community further about detailed designs later this year. Labour councillor Carli Harper, cabinet member for major projects and finance, said the park could become a great facility for young people. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Norwich City Council
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
UK's ‘capital of romance' set for £18.4m waterfront revamp – including regenerating pier & new landmark tourist building
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SEASIDE resort named the UK's capital of romance is set to undergone a major revamp. Work will see refurbishment of the town's pier as well as the local park. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Cleethorpes is set to undergo a significant regeneration project, including upgrades to the town's historic pier Credit: Alamy 3 Cleethorpes was previously described as a 'rundown' seaside resort but is now set for a major revamp Credit: Alamy Cleethorpes, which has an estimated population of around 30,000, was previously described as a "rundown" destination before being dubbed the ideal place for a romantic getaway. Dating back centuries, this town first developed as a fishing hub before the popularisation of sea-swimming in the 1820s, when Cleethorpes was established as a tourist resort. The introduction of the town's railway in 1863 solidified it as a Victorian seaside destination. And now the town has undergone a massive initiative to revitalise its seafront and town centre. This is hoped to enhance Cleethorpes' appeal as a year-round destination. The £18.4 million project focuses on three primary areas: the Market Place, Pier Gardens, and Sea Road. It has been funded by a grant from the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund. Revitalisation of the Market Place, which currently doubles as a car park, will see it transformed into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly space. There will be areas for outdoor dining, markets, and events with the redesign aiming to reconnect the town centre with the seafront. Meanwhile Pier Gardens, a 14,000 square metre Victorian linear park, is set to undergo a series of improvements. Inside little-known seaside spot right next to the country's most iconic sites Plans include the creation of outdoor leisure spaces, as well as areas for quiet reflection and facilities for various recreational activities. As well as increasing biodiversity, the project aims to make the park more attractive to families and visitors. Finally, a new three-storey "multi-use tourism-focused landmark" building is planned for Sea Road, just opposite Cleethorpes Pier. This development will provide retail and hospitality spaces, as well as public amenities and a changing facility for beach-goers. The design seeks to revive Cleethorpes' Art Deco seaside style, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. 'Downtrodden' English ghost town where locals feel 'left behind' being turned into 'vibrant' shopping hub in £9m revamp By Nicole Cherruault A "DOWNTRODDEN" English ghost town is being turned into a "vibrant" shopping hub in a £9million revamp. The town in northern Manchester set to totally transform as the council launches a multi-million pound "vision for change" after locals complained the town felt "left behind". More than 600 people were consulted over renovation plans in Eccles, Salford and work has now started on demolishing the town's shopping centre, which was suffering from falling visitors numbers. Following the demolition stage, a development partner will be appointed to bring new life to what residents described as a "downtrodden" town, reports Manchester Evening News. The objective, the council said, is to create a "vibrant" and a "fit for purpose" centre for people to enjoy. Attracting more independent retailers, and new bars and cafes are among the council's top priorities. And just three miles from Salford Quays and Manchester city centre, the redevelopment project looks set to transform the area into a buzzing place for young professionals and business owners. This comes as locals despaired over the ailing town, saying they felt it had been "left behind" and it was in desperate need of some "drastic" improvements. The council stressed that the demolition work will be a long process, with the initial phase due only to be completed by the end of the year. However, Councillor Mike McCusker reassured locals that despite the renovations, the town centre "remains open for business", stressing that the works only affect a few areas. He said: 'Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today's town centre remains open for business,' said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council. 'I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre. 'The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.' Meanwhile, Councillor McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, shared his enthusiasm for the project, in particular for its focus on the local community. In a statement, he spoke of his "excitement" for the times ahead in materialising their vision for a brighter, more dynamic Eccles. He said 'Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community. 'It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community. 'The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.' While construction work on the Market Place is anticipated to commence in the coming months, the Pier Gardens project is expected to start next year. Next to the historic pier, which first opened in 1873, four miles of golden sands stretch out, forming the town's main beach. Visitor can enjoy a dip in the sea as well as a variety of water-based activities, which are also on offer at the town's boating lake. Families may also be interested in the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, which offers fun for all the family from just £3.99. And for rainier days, the town's Parkway Cinema also proves to be a popular attraction. If you're planning a staycation in the area, there area a wide variety of accommodation options available, starting from just £53 per night. And there are also a number of restaurants and gastro-pubs in the area for dining out.
