Nelson in multi-million pound bid
Nelson is gearing up to bid for up to £25 million for a Town Deal from the Government’s new Towns Fund – through a transformational Town Investment Plan.
Nelson is one of 100 places in England which have been chosen to develop proposals which seek to drive the economic regeneration of towns
“We’ve been chosen because of our proud industrial and economic heritage,” explained Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council.
“And it’s recognised that we need investment to transform Nelson’s prospects for stronger economic growth in the future,” he stated.
“I’m confident that 2020 will be a turning point for Nelson,” he said.
“This is a once in a generation opportunity with the potential to create a strong impact across the whole of Pendle,” said Councillor Iqbal.
This week, Pendle Council agreed on a Nelson Town Deal Board to oversee the development of the Town Investment Plan and the Nelson Masterplan.
The new board will include representatives from local businesses, the community, Pendle Council, Lancashire County Council, the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, local voluntary organisations, Pendle’s MP and young people.
“It’s vital that our local community is involved in helping us develop plans which will make a real difference to people in our area,” said Councillor Iqbal.
A dynamic new Masterplan for Nelson will be drafted in early 2020 and completed by the summer, with another public consultation event being planned for the end of February.
“The Nelson Masterplan will be the blueprint for the future direction of the town over the next ten years and the positive effects will be felt far beyond this,” explained Councillor Iqbal.
“The Board will ensure that the multi-million bids for the town dovetail for a brighter future for Pendle,” said Councillor Iqbal.
The opportunities include a bid for up to £25 million from the Future High Streets Fund to help provide a long term sustainable future for the town centre.
“Nelson is one of the first 50 towns in the UK to reach round two in the Future High Streets bidding process and we’ll be submitting our final business case in April 2020,” explained Councillor Iqbal.
“If we’re successful in both these bids they could add up to £50 million of investment,” said Councillor Iqbal.
“We are working hard to maximise the investment we can win for Pendle and I’d like to thank everyone who is involved in supporting our efforts,” he stressed.
A wide range of organisations with a stake in the area will also be consulted on plans for Nelson including the Pendle Leisure Trust, voluntary sector organisations, the Police, Jobcentre Plus and providers of affordable housing such as Together Housing.