Herefordshire and Worcestershire at centre of government's £2bn levelling up fund
Almost £40 million will be shared by the two counties, among 100 projects across the country to receive special funding.
Last updated 19th Jan 2023
Projects across the UK have been given multi-million-pound funding from the Government as part of its levelling up agenda.
A total of 8 projects in the West Midlands have been allocated more than £155 million from round two of the government’s flagship Levelling Up Fund.
What's being funded in Herefordshire and Worcestershire?
£19.9 million will be spent to boost the public transportation in Hereford, which will also go towards better cycle lanes, improve train station facilities, and new safety measures for pedestrians.
A further £19.9 million will be levelling up access to the arts in Malvern, funding a new outdoor theatre and studio spaces.
Funding across the country
The government has announced £2 billion for more than 100 projects across the UK.
Among the projects earmarked for funding is create an Eden Project in the North near Morecombe and a new ferry transport system to Shetland.
In total, £2.1 billion funding has been split in three ways:
- £672 million to develop better transport links
- £821 million for community regeneration
- £594 million to go towards restoring local heritage sites
The announcement of the funding comes alongside the launch of a new interactive map, which shows which projects in your area have received funding.
Rishi Sunak reiterates his commitment to levelling up
The Department for Levelling Up promised that the latest round of levelling up funding would deliver much-needed economic growth and new jobs to communities across the country, as the Prime Minister promised to “build a future of optimism”.
Mr Sunak said: “Through greater investment in local areas, we can grow the economy, create good jobs and spread opportunity everywhere.
“That’s why we are backing more than 100 projects with new transformational funding to level up local communities across the United Kingdom.
“By reaching even more parts of the country than before, we will build a future of optimism and pride in people’s lives and the places they call home.”
The levelling up vision was one pioneered by former prime minister Boris Johnson, who promised to “level up” towns and communities across the UK.
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said the support would see the Government “firing the start gun” on a range of projects.
He said: “This new funding will create jobs, drive economic growth, and help to restore local pride. We are delivering on the people’s priorities, levelling up across the UK to ensure that no matter where you are from, you can go as far as your talents will take you.”
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt called it a “major down payment on local jobs, growth and regeneration”, with confirmation too of a further round of the levelling up fund.