Up to £10m is set to be invested in boosting our region’s high streets thanks to the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).
Regional Mayor Tim Bowles met with Toby Savage, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council; Cllr Tim Warren, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, and Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol on Friday, October 26, to discuss the proposals.
They agreed that WECA will initially fund three pilot projects, one in Bath and North East Somerset, one in Bristol and one in South Gloucestershire. The location of the pilot projects is yet to be agreed, but they will look at the potential for community-led high street regeneration.
Mayor Tim Bowles said: “It’s been a tough time for our high streets as online shopping becomes increasingly popular; our new Love our High Street project will explore how we can secure funding, expertise and support to revive our town centres.
“We will work with our councils and communities to support their plans to transform key high streets and town centres. The future of our high streets isn’t just about shops, it’s about our businesses, community activities, services and homes. We must work with our communities to embrace the future of our high streets in the digital age.”
A more detailed proposal will be brought to the WECA committee on 30 November.
Monday’s Budget also announced a separate £1.5bn fund to boost High Street retailers.
