Seven areas to benefit from £180m Town Deals funding

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced the seven communities that are set to benefit from up to £178.7 million in new Town Deals.

Barrow-in-Furness, Blackpool, Darlington, Peterborough, Norwich, Torquay and Warrington are the first of 101 places to be offered a Town Deal and work will now begin with these areas to confirm final funding. The chosen areas will have the opportunity to invest in their local economies at this critical time, implementing proposals submitted to the government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund, which is designed create jobs and drive growth across the country.

The landmark deals will see millions invested in projects across the country including: £39.5 million to be used to update the Blackpool Illuminations, for a return to tourism after the coronavirus pandemic; £21.9 million to modernise Torquay town centre, transforming it into a retail and leisure destination for people visiting, working and living in the town; and £22.9 million investment for Peterborough to lay the groundwork for low carbon living, supporting healthy lifestyles and encourage enterprise and innovation.

Jenrick said: “This government is levelling up opportunity all across the country. We are unlocking the full potential of towns and communities, giving them the support that they need to thrive and the 7 Towns Fund Deals that I am announcing today mark the start of locally designed regeneration projects across the country. Backed by £180 million, we are boosting skills, job creation and connectivity in these seven towns – providing investment and confidence at a crucial time for these communities.”