Harborough District is set to benefit from over two million pounds (£2,172,095) after the Government formally approved Harborough District Council’s investment plan for its allocation of funding.
The money from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which is part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda, will be spent over the next two and a half years on activities to improve communities and places, support local business, and invest in people and skills.
A large portion of the funding – one million pounds – will be put towards the delivery of the Lutterworth and Market Harborough town centre masterplans, which will include improvements to cycling and walking infrastructure, as well as minor improvements to the centres of the four larger villages: Broughton Astley, Kibworth, Fleckney and Great Glen.
Nearly half a million pounds (£468,000) will be used to support the local business sector, including town centre retail businesses and tourism, as well as funding business advice, including grants for small businesses.
The final section of funding – just over £140,000 – will help to support people to access employment and develop their skills through training courses.
Cllr Phil King, leader of Harborough District Council, said: “This Government funding is tremendous news for the district’s market towns and surrounding areas. Not only will it help us to help deliver the town centre masterplans in Lutterworth and Market Harborough; it will also enable us to further support local businesses and the development of employment skills in the wider area with additional initiatives and activities.”
Neil O’Brien, MP for Harborough, Oadby and Wigston, said: “I am delighted that UKSPF funding from Government has been approved which will make a real difference to communities in my constituency.
“I am particularly looking forward to seeing the ambitious masterplan for Market Harborough rolled out over the next few years which will help to regenerate the town centre by planting new trees, creating welcoming entry routes, and improving facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.
“It is also welcome news that Fleckney, Great Glen and Kibworth will see improvements to their village centres. The funding will also help to encourage local enterprise and boost employment skills. I’d like to thank Harborough District Council for putting together these exciting plans, which can now begin to be delivered.”
The main aim of the UKSPF is to build pride in place and increase life chances across the UK.
