Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig has announced a new £20m fund aimed at supporting the regeneration and renewal of high streets across the city region.
The Good Growth High Streets Fund will provide support for local businesses, business groups, and voluntary and community organisations to develop projects that improve their high streets, increase footfall and create more vibrant town centres.
The fund is expected to open for applications later this year and forms part of Greater Manchester’s wider ambition to ensure that the benefits of the region’s strong economic growth are felt across local communities.
Mayor Bev Craig said the initiative would focus on restoring pride in local high streets, addressing issues including vacant shops and struggling businesses, and supporting independent traders and community-led projects.
The announcement follows the launch of Greater Manchester’s ten-year plan to create a thriving city region where residents can enjoy a good quality of life and businesses can continue to grow.
As part of the initiative, the Mayor is also establishing a new High Streets Taskforce, bringing together local businesses and community groups to help shape and deliver plans for high street investment across Greater Manchester.
Middleton is among the areas already being targeted for significant regeneration. Plans for a Mayoral Development Corporation are progressing, with the proposed development expected to support the delivery of around 1,500 new homes alongside the wider regeneration of the town centre.
The fund comes shortly after Bev Craig succeeded Andy Burnham as Mayor of Greater Manchester, following her victory in last month’s mayoral election.
For Downtown in Business, the announcement reinforces the importance of continued investment in high streets, town centres and local economies. Supporting businesses, attracting investment and creating vibrant places will remain central to the region’s future growth, and initiatives such as the Good Growth High Streets Fund could play an important role in delivering that ambition.
Downtown in Business continues to bring together business leaders, policymakers and key stakeholders across Greater Manchester to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the region, including regeneration, investment, transport and economic growth.
