Kirkholt to undergo regeneration

The Strand, Kirkholt

£6.5m is set to be used to help redevelop Kirkholt.

The money is expected to be used to redevelop The Strand, the estate's main shopping area and will bring a new health care centre and community centre to the estate.

Councillor Farnell, ward councillor for Kirkholt, said: “It is fantastic news and I am very happy that the council have agreed to this after 18 months of campaigning.”

It is hoped that the community centre will become a local hub in that area for the community and will include a youth centre and home drop in centre.

“This is something that is much needed and will help improve the town’s biggest council estate,” added Councillor Farnell.

Councillor Dale Mulgrew, also a councillor for Kirkholt, said: “After so many false dawns over the years, it is excellent news that the Kirkholt estate will now receive the funding to support a new shopping and central area.

"This has always been a fundamental need for the regeneration of the estate. This is because without this tired shopping arcade being re-developed, the estate could not simply progress.”

Original plans for redevelopment in the area began almost two years when the government set aside £10m in the Vision For Kirkholt scheme. These plans were later scrapped.

Money for the redevelopment will now come from the council’s capital budget for 2014/2015.

A full consultation will now take place with local residents, members of the local community and shop owners in the area. The plans will then go to a full council meeting in February where a final decision will be made.