£20 million boost to help enhance Torridge area
The Agri-Business Centre in Holsworthy will expand and there will be further money for Appledore’s Clean Maritime Innovation Centre
Devon's Torridge area is getting £20-million from the Government's 'National Plan for Change' fund to help grow more high tech green jobs - with sites like Bideford Hospital being improved.
A Government spokesperson said: "In line with the government’s national ambition to build 1.5 million homes, funding will bring forward plans for affordable and social homes in Bideford, alongside a Torridge-wide programme to retrofit social homes to improve their EPC ratings to above C, helping bring down energy bills for those most in need.
"And in a focus on preventative and community-led health solutions, the repurposing of a redundant ward at Bideford Hospital into a revived Community Health and Wellbeing Hub will provide a multi-purpose space for health care, activity classes, group appointments and support.
"Funding for Torridge’s growing agri-innovation sector will see the Agri-Business Centre expand with a new centre in Holsworthy and further money for Appledore’s Clean Maritime Innovation Centre all of which will go towards creating more jobs, attracting national investment, improving connectivity for local workers and contributing to Torridge’s ambition to become a world-class integrated clean maritime nexus."
Local Growth Minister Alex Norris said: “Growth is the government’s priority and we want every person and community across the country to be part of this. The regeneration and improvements coming to Torridge will really put this region at the forefront of our decade of national renewal.
“With this £20 million package we are tackling issues that really matter to the region, rather than a one-size fits all approach, this tailored package will guarantee long-term, sustainable growth that means more money in people’s pockets as promised in our Plan for Change.”
Councillor Ken James, Lead Member for Torridge District Council, said: “We are thrilled that the Government has confirmed that it will be investing over £20 million to fund transformative regeneration projects across the district. This is fantastic news for Torridge and a testament to all the hard work put in by our officers and members of the Torridge Place Board.
“The breadth and scope of projects being announced today, will enable us to work along alongside our partners and key stakeholders to make a real long and lasting difference to the people of Torridge. Securing investment like this is vital part of these plans I am looking forward to working with team to ensure a successful implementation of the next phase.”