Nuneaton is to benefit from the newly launched Pride in Place programme, which gives communities across England unprecedented new powers to revitalise their high streets.
The government has announced the launch of the programme which includes new powers as well as £20m in funding for Nuneaton’s Camp Hill estate with a further £1.5m to the local authority.
Under the new powers, residents and the Council will be able to:
- Acquire and repurposes empty or boarded-up premises
- Invoke community right to buy
- Block or regulate unwanted new shop types
- Ensure community-led decision making
These powers help to preserve the character of high streets, limit types of development that do not align with local needs and bring empty buildings back into use in ways that serve local people.
A local board will need to be established to decide on which projects the funding is spent.
Tom Shardlow, Chief Executive at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, said:
“We are committed to working alongside residents and businesses to ensure we breathe new life into our town centres.”
The Council believes that by working together with communities, it can regenerate high streets, strengthen local identity, and restore pride in our borough.
These investments are in addition to the £20m Plan for Neighbourhoods funding that Bedworth will receive.
Further information will follow once government guidance is issued.