Government funding boost set to support ambitious growth plans for Newcastle
Posted on Wednesday 9th June 2021
Keele University
A £23.6million government funding boost will support ambitious growth plans for Newcastle and further enhance Staffordshire’s post-pandemic economic recovery, the county council’s deputy leader has said.
Newcastle is one of 30 towns across the country to be confirmed as a recipient of the £700million Town Deals finding. The town’s allocation is expected to generate an increase of more than £69 million a year in increased gross value added (GVA). A Town Deal Board to help develop an investment plan will be chaired by Keele’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Trevor McMillan.
Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said:
This is fantastic news for Newcastle borough and for Staffordshire and a real boost for its economic recovery post-pandemic. The board has already been mapping out a future vision for Newcastle – with digital connectivity, greener transport and regenerated towns and communities which will benefit communities in years to come
As a county council we look forward to playing our part in supporting the delivery of the plan with the borough council and Keele University. Our priorities for Staffordshire include ensuring we have vibrant towns which continue to evolve and developing our communities through enhanced skills where people can take on new employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Work is already well under way in Burton on its Town Deals funding proposals, so this really is an exciting time for Staffordshire.”
The plan is centred around three core objectives:
• Open up growth opportunities through enhanced physical and digital connectivity aligned with clean and sustainable economic development
• Diversify and enhance the town centre experience by encouraging new uses to increase demand and footfall
• To channel investment into regenerating communities, ensuring these areas are sustainable places to live and providing residents with the infrastructure needed to improve their quality of life.