Rochdale bids to make high street fit for the future

Yorkshire Street, Rochdale

More than 300 local authorities, including Rochdale Borough Council, are bidding for a share of the £675 million Future High Street Fund to transform their local high streets into modern vibrant community hubs.

Launched in December 2018 as part of the government’s plan for the high street, the £675 million Future High Streets Fund will help local leaders implement bold new visions to transform their town centres and make them fit for the future with co-funding to consolidate properties on the high street, improve transport and access into town centres and convert retail units into new homes.

The positive response to the Future High Street Fund was welcomed by High Streets Minister Jake Berry MP on Wednesday 10 April, as evidence of the appetite across the country to reimagine and reinvent our town centres and high streets.

High Streets Minister Jake Berry MP said: “More than 300 bids to the Future High Street Fund is a fantastic response and shows the passion across the country to meet the challenges facing our high streets head-on.

“The government has the power to set the direction but those on the ground know best.

“I look forward to reviewing the innovative proposals from local leaders to transform our high streets and town centres and make them fit for the future.

“We’re determined to ensure high streets continue sit at the heart of our communities for generations to come. Our Future High Streets Fund will sit front and centre of our Plan for the High Street as we work to achieve this aim.”

Up to £55 million of the Fund has also been allocated to support the regeneration of heritage high streets. Bids will help to restore historic high street properties for new work spaces or cultural venues. More details of this will be announced in due course.

The Future High Streets Fund was launched 26 December 2018.

Applications for Phase 1 of the Fund closed on Friday 22 March 2019.