Burnley unveils £20m regen plan

Burnley’s Town Board has approved a regeneration plan that will see £20m investment in the borough over the next 10 years.

The plan has now been submitted to central government for approval with funding for project delivery available from April next year.

Burnley has been awarded the cash through the government’s Pride in Place programme, previously known as Plan for Neighbourhoods, backed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

The funding will enable Burnley to develop a new 10-year vision for the town and support the first four years of investment to begin delivery.

In a statement, Burnley Council said: “The plan has been developed across eight themes: regeneration, housing, work and skills, community cohesion, health and wellbeing, transport, safety, and education.

“These themes come from the government’s framework for neighbourhood investment and build on what residents have already said through earlier consultation.

“They will help direct funding into the things that people consistently raise as priorities, such as facilities for young people, safer streets, thriving high streets, and the protection of our heritage buildings.”

To lead the work, the town bord has been re-established, bringing together representatives from the voluntary sector, education, business, culture, arts, leisure and faith groups, alongside the council and other partners.

The board is chaired by Leon Calverley, founder of local digital agency Door4, with Donna Livesey, from Burnley Leisure and Culture, appointed as vice-chair.

During the first four years £6.8m will be available, with proposals to invest money to contribute to the development of a new youth zone, to create a community grant pot for organisations to apply to and to continue the restoration and preservation of heritage buildings. 

Leon Calverley, chair of the Town Board said: “This funding will be directed towards our shared priorities of improving safety, regeneration Burnley town centre and investing in the confidence and aspirations of our young people”                                          

Councillor Lubna Khan, Burnley Council’s executive member for economy and growth, added: “The Regeneration Plan builds on the progress we’ve already made and sets out a clear plan for the future.

“Working with residents, businesses and community groups, the plan focuses on what matters most, safer streets, better housing, thriving high streets and more facilities for young people.”