Ashfield District Council has been awarded the first year’s funding from the £3 million UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocated to invest across the Ashfield District. £387,000 has been confirmed for 2022/23, with a further £2.8m across the next two financial years (2023/24 and 2024/25).
The money will be spent across Ashfield including investing in community allotments, further enhancements to Selston Country Park, safer streets in Hucknall and Kirkby and a new park ranger at Kings Mill Reservoir to boost visitor numbers. Money will also be used to improve skills and turbo charge business start-ups.
The Council and partners submitted an investment plan to the government in August following a series of idea generating sessions with stakeholders. The investment will fund projects for three years.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund has three themes set out by the government, which are communities, local business and skills. The aim of the fund is to improve the places that people live in, support high quality training and skills to increase people’s access to employment and better pay, and actively support local businesses to help them thrive, grow and innovate.
Cllr Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “I’m so pleased that we have been successful in our bid, we’ve been busy developing the projects in Hucknall, Kirkby, Selston and Sutton ready for delivery.
“I’m particularly pleased that we have a range of projects which will be delivered right across the District, including much needed help and support for businesses for increasing productivity, adapting to automation, accessing markets overseas and reducing energy bills.”
Cllr Matthew Relf, executive lead member for regeneration and corporate transformation, added: “This funding will provide the flexibility we need to develop and deliver projects and programmes across the District with previous funds such as Towns Fund and the Future High Streets Fund being restricted.
“We will be able to support those most in need and help people to access training and better paid jobs. It will also support some of the Towns Fund projects with early investment such as the ADMC (Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre) and support for businesses moving into the new business hub at High Pavement House.”
A list of 170 project ideas gathered from stakeholders and local elected members was reviewed and scored to produce a final shortlist.
