1 week Ago
A report on the Levelling Up Fund round two investments – for the Earlestown regeneration programme – came before the cabinet at its meeting. As recommended, members approved a number of recommendations. The cabinet approved the investment of up to £15.
507 million from the Levelling Up Fund round two programme to deliver the Market Square and public realm elements. It also approved the investment of up to £8.887 million from the Levelling Up Fund round two programme to deliver the Town Hall element.
Furthermore, it approved the investment of up to £5.383 million from the Levelling Up Fund round two programme to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority via a grant funding agreement for the appointment of Merseyrail Electric 2002 as the preferred delivery partner for the rail station element. The report stated each of these three investments have been identified within the council’s medium-term financial strategy.
READ MORE: 'She will be in my mind throughout': Jack to honour his grandma's memory Plan to increase bedrooms at HMO approved The Star 30 years ago this week BOOK LAUNCH: Are you related to the Great Saints team of 1914-15? Members also delegated authority to the executive director of place services, in consultation with the director of legal & governance and Section 151 officer, to “execute all necessary documentation” with the English Cities Fund and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority pursuant to “successfully delivery” of the Levelling Up Fund round two programme. They also approved acceptance of a £1.132 million grant funding award from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS 3C), via the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, relating to Earlestown Town Hall, delegating authority to the executive director of place services and the director of legal & governance to “execute all necessary documentation” pursuant to “successful delivery” of the initiative.
'Firm path to delivery' Cllr Richard McCauley – who is the cabinet member for inclusive growth and regeneration – said the approval on Wednesday will allow the contracts to be signed and set the programme on a “firm path to delivery”, with construction to begin in May. “It is a bold and responsible investment,” he said. “It delivers on our manifesto and, above all, it restores pride, confidence and opportunity in our town that deserves it.
” The report highlighted that the regeneration of Earlestown town centre is a “priority” for the council’s partnership with the English Cities Fund, with “significant progress” having been made to date. It also said “significant investment” will “revitalise” Earlestown’s historic Market Square and surrounding public realm, “reimagine” its Grade-II listed vacant Town Hall as a community and workspace hub, and improve safety and amenity at its rail station. It added that the complementary packaged projects will “drive substantial regeneration and reinvigorate Earlestown as an attractive place in which to live, work and invest”.
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