Grimsby town centre and Scunthorpe High Street are amongst ten struggling high streets chosen to take part in a new government pilot – the High Street Accelerators programme – to create partnerships leading to long-term regeneration plans.
They’re each to be given £237,000 to help communities partner with local authorities and businesses to address some of the biggest challenges facing their high streets – building on wider action to tackle empty shops, anti-social behaviour and a lack of visitors.
They can also apply for a share of up to £5 million to improve their high streets’ green spaces and create more pleasant environments for residents to meet and socialise.
This £7 million will be spent over the next two years and the impact will be evaluated to inform future government policy and support for left-behind high streets, building on larger interventions like the £1.1 billion Long-Term Plan for Towns.
Minister for Levelling Up Jacob Young said: ”It has been a tough few years for our high streets following the pandemic and the changes we’ve seen in consumer behaviour.
“We know that local people know what’s best for their area, and we’re keen to understand the benefits that High Street Accelerators could bring working with local businesses and their communities.
“These Accelerators will complement other interventions like High Street Rental Auctions, empowering local people to tackle vacancy and other issues on their high streets.”
