Almost £3 million of funding announced for Hyndburn
The Government has confirmed Hyndburn Borough Council’s successful bid to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with confirmed funding allocated for 2022/23 and indicative allocation for 23/24 and 24/25 totalling £2,943,592.
Cllr Miles Parkinson OBE, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said:
“This is fantastic news and I would like to thank everyone involved in making it happen. Hyndburn’s partnership board have led this work and our submitted projects for the funding include greening of Accrington Town Centre, a curated programme of arts, cultural and heritage events, plus a master plan for the Arndale Centre. All this is designed to generate footfall, kick-start economy growth, support local businesses and improve wellbeing for the people of our Borough.”
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is intended to reduce inequalities amongst communities and Hyndburn’s Partnership Board worked together to agree a package of investments to submit for the funding.
Hyndburn’s Culture and Heritage Investment Board will take strategic oversight of these investment packages. There are five core elements within the plan: 1) Growth and New Business 2) Greening of Accrington Town Centre 3) Business Support: Low Carbon Initiatives 4) Support for Market Hall and Burtons Chambers 5) Regeneration, Arts, Culture andHeritage
Summary document of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Bid for Hyndburn can be viewed here.
Lyndsey Sims, CEO of Hyndburn Leisure and Chair of Hyndburn’s Culture and Heritage Investment Board, said:
“This funding being secured will make a real difference to residents and is complimentary to Hyndburn’s Levelling Up Fund bid for £20 million, which we are hoping to hear about soon.
“Our allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will focus on themes of ‘community and place’ and ‘supporting local businesses’ – with exiting plans to harness the culture and heritage of the people of Hyndburn.
“The strategic leadership of the board will mean Accrington can expect carefully curated events and opportunities that welcome participation from everyone. We will work together to secure even more investment, build relationships with more partners and involve community organisations to achieve plans that have impact and sustainability for future generations.”
Cllr Miles Parkinson OBE, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council continued:
“Hyndburn has a rich heritage that we want to build on and embrace for a prosperous future. Our borough has been disproportionately impacted for many years and now is our time. Over the past 12 months leaders across all the sectors in Hyndburn have come together, taken the guidance from experts, and worked collaboratively with the council to create a vision which starts with Accrington and will lead the way for plans across all towns.”