The Government has announced a £319m investment package aimed at regenerating high streets and improving community spaces across England, as part of its Pride in Place strategy.
The largest share — £301m— will go towards High Streets Innovation Partnerships, supporting local communities to reimagine struggling town centres as mixed-use spaces incorporating homes, health services, libraries, community hubs and green spaces.
A further £18m will be directed at 66 of the most deprived communities to fund new or upgraded playgrounds, with areas selected based on high levels of child income deprivation and poor access to play spaces.
Five projects will also pilot a new initiative encouraging local agencies such as councils, the NHS and schools to pool budgets and work together, tackling issues including SEND, youth offending and mental health. If successful, the Government intends to roll the model out nationwide.
Check out: Pride in Place: Breathing new life into neglected communities
