Investment in historic Swaffham
The high street & market place will benefit
Breckland Council members have voted to accept £380,000 in national funding to support the protection and enhancement of Swaffham's historic high street and Market Place.
At the meeting of full council held on 24 September, councillors approved the acceptance of the match-funding from Historic England and gave the green light to the programme which will see Swaffham High Street become one of the country's new High Streets Heritage Action Zones (HSHAZ). The money will go towards a £697,900 package of measures to assist the economic recovery of the retail and service sector in the town over the next four years and will be delivered by Breckland Council alongside its partners, including Swaffham Town Council.
Plans include improvements to historic shop fronts and other commercial premises and a feasibility study into making the shared environment between pedestrians and motorists more sustainable. In turn, it is hoped this will make Swaffham increasingly attractive as a place to live and work and encourage more visitors and inward investment.
Community involvement is at the heart of this scheme and an ambitious programme of cultural events and activities will also be developed, focused on celebrating the heritage and character of the town and its people.
Cllr Mark Robinson, Breckland Council's Executive Member for Community, Leisure & Culture, said that the decision was in line with the council's commitment to supporting local towns to thrive:
"This programme will help protect Swaffham's historic town centre while making the most of its rich heritage for modern residents and visitors. We'll now look to deliver a series of heritage improvements around the market place that will significantly improve the environment and make it attractive to shoppers and visitors alike."
The Mayor of Swaffham, Cllr Jill Skinner, said:
"The Town Council are delighted that Swaffham Town Centre will receive this cash injection, as it provides a welcome boost during these difficult times. The HSHAZ project offers the town a real opportunity to build a better future and local people can play an important part in helping to deliver some of the aspirations and policies outlined in our Neighbourhood Plan."
Tony Calladine, Regional Director for Historic England in the East of England, said;