Exmouth will receive new funding from the Government’s new Future High Streets Fund. The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government, Robert Jenrick, has confirmed that Exmouth will receive funding to help secure up to £20 million pounds from the Government’s new Future High Streets Fund.
The new fund can be used to improve transport and access into town centres, convert empty retail units into new homes and workplaces, and invest in vital infrastructure.
Exmouth will receive up to £150,000 via local authorities to work together on the development of detailed project proposals that can be submitted for capital funding.
After weeks of lobbying, the agreement to ensure Exmouth was in the running for the innovative new fund was secured by Simon Jupp, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for East Devon, at a meeting on Friday in the constituency.
Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government, said; “It was great to spend time in East Devon talking to Simon Jupp about the opportunities to boost Exmouth’s High Street. We know how important town centres are to communities and appreciate the pressure our high streets are under as consumer habits change and more people shop online.
That’s why we created the £1Bn Future High Streets Fund, to invest in better transport, culture, heritage and bringing more housing into town centres to help them adapt and evolve. I want Exmouth to benefit from that and be part of the next group of towns to receive up to £20m each. Simon and I will be working with the local community to prepare a plan and get that transformative investment flowing into the town as soon as next year.”
Simon Jupp, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for East Devon, said; “I have spoken to many businesses in Exmouth about the opportunities for the town and it’s time to work together to boost our High Street. I will work with residents, councils and business leaders to make sure we grasp this opportunity to deliver for Exmouth. Together, we can make East Devon an even better place to live and work.”
Ian MacQueen, Chairman of Exmouth Chamber of Commerce, said; “This is excellent news for Exmouth and demonstrates the importance of backing business to create jobs and opportunities for everyone. I know Simon Jupp has worked hard to secure this funding and he’s got my backing to help deliver this important investment for our town.”