“Once in a generation opportunity” as council announces huge step in £50 million investment bid for Kirkby and Sutton

Investment bids of up to £25 million each for Kirkby and Sutton have taken another step forward through the Government’s Towns Fund initiative, says Ashfield District Council.
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Over 1,300 residents took part in a public consultation in May to find out how they want to see Kirkby and Sutton improve and, having listened to views of residents, the Ashfield District Council and Discover Ashfield board have been working with partners to develop a wide range of projects, including improving education opportunities for young people.

Leader of Ashfield District Council, Jason Zadrozny said: “To have up to £50million in funding coming to Kirkby and Sutton is a once in a generation opportunity.

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"Our towns have been overlooked for far too long and we have a real opportunity to transform our area.’’

Leader of Ashfield District Council, Jason ZadroznyLeader of Ashfield District Council, Jason Zadrozny
Leader of Ashfield District Council, Jason Zadrozny

The council is awaiting confirmation from the government for an ‘accelerated’ Towns Fund offer of £1.5m split between the two towns.

The outcome of a bid by Ashfield District Council to the Future High Streets Fund for Sutton Town centre is also being anticipated, with an announcement due in the autumn.

This could see up to £12.4m invested in a range of projects designed to transform the town centre, including new places for eating out and a live music, cinema and theatre venue at Sutton Academy.

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The plans also include a pop-up food market at Fox Street with additional car parking, a community Maker Space, restoration and re-use of vacant properties on Low Street, and high quality apartments for town-centre living.

Councillor Matthew Relf, portfolio holder for place, planning and regeneration, said: “There are exciting times ahead for Ashfield.

"We are ambitious in our plans for the area and we are working closely with residents and our partners to ensure the towns not only recover from the years of neglect but also the challenges brought by the pandemic.

“The investment will support the towns to create a wider offer for leisure, community, housing, healthcare and education, as well as increased cultural opportunities, helping to create thriving towns that people want to visit.

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"We will continue to support the town centres by promoting our Shop Local initiative and through the two free hours parking our Council introduced in September.”

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