Kimberley will benefit from £20m investment after the Government announced it has been selected to receive £16.5m from the Levelling Up Fund.
Broxtowe Borough Council has committed to add a further £3.5m to that figure to help improve the area for local people.
Broxtowe MP Darren Henry, who supported the bid, said: “I am thrilled that Kimberley’s Levelling Up bid has been successful in securing £16.5 million worth of Government investment into the Town with additional support from Broxtowe Borough Council totalling £20 million investment.
“From the moment the Government announced the Levelling Up scheme, I was clear there should be a bid centred on Kimberley and for the past two years I have been working with the Town and Borough councillors, and with local residents and businesses to ensure we submitted a strong and successful bid.
“I am looking forward to getting these exciting new projects off the ground and ensure that the people of Kimberley and the surrounding area can take advantage of the fantastic opportunities on offer.”
Councillor Tim Hallam, Portfolio Holder Economic Development and Asset Management, said: “This is fantastic news for Kimberley. It’s taken a huge amount of work to produce such an excellent bid, so it’s great to see this recognised in the funding awarded.
“I look forward to seeing these projects come to life in the coming months and years, really giving Kimberley a boost towards a prosperous and sustainable future.
“It’s a real shame that the Eastwood bid didn’t get the go-ahead from Government, but that won’t stop us from finding ways to invest in the town and continuing to add to the excellent plans that have already been developed. It’s vital that all of Broxtowe moves forward together and that nobody in the community is left behind.”
The funding will be used to deliver the following projects:
A Town Centre Improvement Project
- In place of the existing Parish Hall on Newdigate Street, a new Business and Community Hub will be constructed. This will offer co-working and office space for start-ups and small businesses, as well as improved space for community activities on the ground floor.
- Small Business Grants will also be made available to businesses in Kimberley to improve the feel and appearance of the town and the functionality of these businesses.
- Lighting equipment will be purchased to create light displays and VR attractions similar to that on Valentine’s Day last year, to encourage events-based attractions in Kimberley and drive visitor footfall.
Digby Street Industrial Units and Swingate Farm sports facilities
- The current football pitch at Digby Street will be redeveloped into 20 new industrial units to allow new businesses to move into Kimberley, driving job creation and economic growth.
- A new sports facility at Swingate Farm will be developed in its place, with a new football and cricket pitch to support the outstanding Kimberley sports teams.
Cycle Path Network and Bennerley Viaduct Eastern Ramp
- A new active travel route would link up Kimberley with Eastwood, Giltbrook, Phoenix Park Tram Stop and Bennerley Viaduct.
- This project will also fund the construction of an accessible Eastern Ramp at Bennerley Viaduct, a Grade 2* listed railway viaduct of great historical and cultural significance and important tourist attraction.
- These routes would allow more people to cycle and walk to commute to work and for leisure purposes, and would encourage more visitors to the area. It would also support reducing carbon emissions and healthier lifestyle choices.
The bid was produced by Broxtowe Borough Council in consultation with local residents, groups and Kimberley Parish Council.
