A £20m fund has been launched to support high street regeneration across Greater Manchester, alongside plans to bring forward approximately 1,500 homes in Middleton.
The Good Growth High Streets Fund will open for applications from businesses, community organisations and voluntary groups later this year.
Funding will support projects intended to revive vacant premises, increase footfall and strengthen local economies across the city region.
The initiative forms part of the new Mayor’s wider regeneration programme, which includes proposals to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation in Middleton.
HOUSING AND REGENERATION
The proposed corporation, co-chaired by Steve Coogan and Rose Marley, is intended to accelerate the regeneration of Middleton town centre and help deliver around 1,500 new homes.
The housing plans are separate from the £20m high street fund, but form part of Greater Manchester’s wider strategy to connect residential development with stronger local economies and services.
Successful regeneration could support housing demand and create opportunities for mortgage brokers working with homebuyers, commercial borrowers and property investors across the region.
A new High Streets Taskforce will help shape the programme, with local businesses and community groups being invited to participate.
RESTORING VACANT PREMISES
Bev Craig (main picture), Mayor of Greater Manchester, says: “Our high streets are the beating hearts of our communities, and people want to feel pride about where they live.
“They are rightly worried and frustrated when they see derelict pubs, boarded-up shops and independent traders moving away. They want to see practical support for local businesses now.”
She adds: “Our new £20m Good Growth High Streets Fund is all about restoring pride in a vibrant high street—backing our neighbourhoods and spreading the rewards of good economic growth everywhere.”
The programme sits alongside Greater Manchester’s existing £2bn Good Growth Fund, which is being used to support town-centre regeneration, employment and economic development.
