Wrekin MP, Mark Pritchard, has welcomed news that Wellington has won a £2.38 million share of the Government's new 'Getting Building Fund'.
The money will be used to regenerate the New College site and Wrekin Housing Group sites in surrounding area.
The money is part of a is part of a £900 million fund designed to help the UK economy recover from the impacts of the Covid-19 outbreak, and has been earmarked to fund 'shovel ready' projects which can proceed without delay.
More than 300 projects have been allocated a share of the fund, which is expected to deliver up to 45,000 homes, create up 85,000 jobs and cut carbon emissions by 65 million kilograms across England.
The New College site and the Wrekin Housing Group sites are located within one of the most deprived wards in Telford and Wrekin and are gateways into Wellington. New College has already been identified as a potential hub for new healthcare and supported living services, and there is an opportunity to link this development with a Wrekin Housing Trust owned 1950s maisonette development which needs replacing.
The new funding will unlock these stalled sites by providing the money needed for additional demolition and clearance, land assembly and enabling works. The regeneration will deliver new homes at Glebe Street and New College, and the new developments will incorporate sustainability in design whilst improving walking and cycling routes into Wellington.
Responding to the announcement, Mark Pritchard MP said:
"This is a major boost for our local economy. I have been lobbying the Government for new funding to kick-start the regeneration of the New College site, so I am absolutely delighted that Wellington will benefit from the Getting Building Fund.
"This investment will replace and renew ageing developments and deliver a significant number of new homes close to Wellington High Street. Strong walking and cycling links between the new developments and the centre of Wellington will generate more footfall for the high street and the historic covered market, protect local jobs and create new business opportunities."
