Nuneaton town centre regeneration receives £7.5m of funding

Nuneaton marketplace

A scheme to revive Nuneaton town centre has received £7.5m of funding from the Government’s Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP).

The funding will focus on the development of Vicarage Street and the area around the railway station, creating a ‘modern, high-quality and vibrant’ gateway to Nuneaton.

Other key developments include Horiba MIRA Technology Park and the growth of Bermuda Park employment site.

The plans also involve improving the use of public space in Nuneaton town centre and investing in the road, rail and transport infrastructure to improve connectivity in the North/South corridor.

In addition, flood protection will be improved in the town centre to protect businesses and more sites will be opened for other uses including housing schemes.

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council and portfolio holder for economic development, said: ‘The county council is committed to working with our partners towards the development of Nuneaton town centre. This £7.5million funding will act as a catalyst to attracting private sector investment to the town.

‘We have very high ambitions for the town – the work that is about to start will do a great deal to create a vibrant, modern atmosphere that is welcoming, making it a great place to visit and do business.’

Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones added: ‘This is a fantastic opportunity for Nuneaton, we have £7.5 million backing from the government and some significant development sites owned by both Councils.

‘Everyone must now work together to attract the investment opportunities that are undoubtedly out there for Nuneaton, timing is crucial and all the stops should be pulled out to get new development moving.’

Earlier this year it was revealed through a freedom of information request obtained by Green Party campaigner Michele Kondakor that Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council paid £6,000 a month over six years to regeneration specialists SJI Group Limited to promote regeneration of the town centre. However, after failing to attract a developer they abandoned the plan, at a cost of over £50,000 to the taxpayer.