Bid to ‘level up’ could be a huge boost for local communities
Thursday, 10 June 2021
We are proposing to submit bids for government funding, to accelerate existing plans to regenerate and invest in local communities.
This included improved facilities and shared space at the Kingsland site in Houghton Regis and a new community ‘hall for all’ in Potton.
The ambitious proposals for the first round of applications will ask for up to £30m from the Government's ‘Levelling Up’ Fund, created to even out inequalities by investing in infrastructure that improves everyday life.
Councillor Kevin Collins, Executive Member for Planning and Regeneration said:
We are committed to taking every possible opportunity to bring investment into Central Bedfordshire. If successful, this funding would be a huge boost for local communities, breathing new life into areas that would benefit the most.’
The good news is that the foundations have already been laid for the three proposed bids, which also includes improvements to the Clophill / A507 roundabout junction.
The Kingsland site funding would build on previous work and look at accelerating an improved leisure offer, in conjunction with the new school offer and the potential for improved community and shared space facilities. Emphasis would also be placed on ensuring improved green spaces and amenities, to better connect communities, for example through the development of enhanced pedestrian and cycle links.
Councillor Collins added:
This will be a highly competitive bidding process and there is no guarantee we will be successful. The outcome of bids submitted for the 18 June deadline will not be known until the Autumn. Officers across the council are pulling together to ensure we are as best placed as possible to secure this funding. The proposals are grounded firmly in what those communities have told us they want, with a firm commitment to ongoing community engagement from the outset.
Further information
Read more about new levelling up and community investments on the GOV.UK website.