Fresh investment in Ledbury town centre is on the cards if a bid for millions of pounds of Levelling Up funding is successful.
Herefordshire Council is submitting three bids to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund in the hope of securing up to £44 million.
The first of these bids is for the creation of “multifunctional public spaces” in Ledbury and Leominster town centres, as well as the redevelopment of Leominster’s Grade 2 listed Priory.
In Ledbury’s case, work would be concentrated around the Master’s House and St Katherine’s Car Park, with part of the car park being redeveloped to create a “pedestrianised public realm”.
According to proposals approved by Herefordshire’s cabinet last week, “the project will enhance the approved proposals, creating a larger area with utility infrastructure to support outdoor events and enhanced landscaping.
“This will support greater vibrancy and footfall in Ledbury town centre, attracting both local and tourist visitors, complementing previous investment in the Master’s House and enhancing the viability of the town centre offer.”
Government funds to help Herefordshire projects
The two other bids being submitted by the council would see the development of Ross Enterprise Park, creating more than 1,000 jobs, and a package of transport and active travel measures implemented in Hereford.
Cllr Ellie Chowns, cabinet member for environment and economy, said: “The Levelling Up Fund is a great opportunity to secure Government funding to help progress local projects across the county.
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“These are substantial bids which, if successful, will deliver significant positive impacts to our local economy, and help us to provide safe and sustainable alternative modes of transport, promoting wellbeing, reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality in the county.
“The scale and ambition of the bids demonstrates our commitment to investing in the quality of life of our residents, and ensuring our local communities remain vibrant places to live, work, study and visit.”
The outcome of the bidding process is expected in autumn. Successful projects will have to commence in the financial year 2022/23, and be completed by the end of March 2025.
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