Town centres set for £14m regeneration schemes

Wed 19 May 2010

A variety of town centres across the UK that have fallen into neglect are to be given a share of £14 million of Heritage Lottery funding.

Towns that are set to benefit are those that have historic landmarks that have become at risk due to the state of disrepair, with Whitechapel Market in London one of those to receive assistance.

The 17th century high street will receive £1,387,500 to restore shop fronts and bring under occupied premises back into use.

In addition to the regeneration projects, the funding will be used to hold community events and provide training in building and conservation skills.

Other locations that have been earmarked for funding include Middleton in Greater Manchester, Wellingborough in Northamptonshire and Roskear and Tuckingmill in Cornwall.

In its manifesto, the Conservatives pledged to shift the focus of regional development agencies towards regeneration, which a party spokesman explained to the BBC could be achieved by working closely with the business sector.

Roger Fitton, solicitor at Winckworth Sherwood, stated that these were "interesting signs that the coalition government is committed to urban regeneration".