Kidsgrove Town Deal

Town Deals are a UK government initiative, designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by smaller towns and cities.

The aim of this initiative is to reinvigorate these areas by channelling investment, promoting economic growth, and enhancing the overall well-being of their communities.

In 2019 the government announced details of 100 new Town Deals as part of a commitment to ensuring that communities across the UK could benefit from shared prosperity. Kidsgrove, along with Newcastle, was one of the lucky 100.

Tailored to the needs of the town

At the core of Town Deals is the recognition that not all towns are the same. Each has its own distinct character and requirements. Therefore, Town Deals are tailor-made to suit the specific needs of the town in question.

They involve collaboration between local authorities, local businesses, and local communities to identify key areas for development and growth.

Bridging the gap

The main objective of Town Deals is to bridge the economic divide between major cities and smaller towns.

By investing in these communities, the government seeks to:

stimulate economic activity

create employment opportunities

improve residents’ quality of life

It is also an acknowledgment of the vital role that smaller towns play in the broader regional and national economy.

Town Deal funding

Central to the success of Town Deals is substantial government funding of up to £1 billion. This funding typically supports a wide range of projects, including but not limited to:

infrastructure improvements

cultural and recreational enhancements

skills development programs

Kidsgrove Town Deal received an offer of £16.9m to deliver five transformational projects in and around Kidsgrove.

2019

The government announces details of 100 new ‘Town Deals’ as part of a commitment to ensuring that communities across the UK could benefit from shared prosperity. Kidsgrove, along with Newcastle, was one of the lucky 100.

November: The council is awarded £140,000 capacity funding, which is used to appoint consultants AECOM to bring in the necessary expertise to work with the council, the Town Deal board and the local community to produce a Town Investment Plan.

2020

January: A Kidsgrove Town Deal board is formed. The boundary for the Kidsgrove Town Deal is approved by government.

Spring: A call for project ideas from the community, of which 22 suggestions were received.

Summer: Working with the Borough Council and consultants, AECOM, the board worked hard to put together a ‘Town Investment Plan’ (TIP) that would bring real and lasting economic benefits to Kidsgrove and the surrounding area.

July: Kidsgrove is awarded £750,000 Advanced Town Deal funding. Town Deal Board approves expenditure on a ’Sports Village’ project and leisure facilities in Kidsgrove’s public parks.

October: The TIP is submitted

2021

March: The Kidsgrove Town Deal Board receives an offer of £16.9m to deliver the projects outlined in the TIP.

April: The Kidsgrove Sports Centre project is designated ‘Fast Track’ and the Business Case is submitted and approved by government.

June: Official opening of Pump Track in Newchapel Rec.

August: A business case is submitted and approved for the Chatterley Valley West project.

2022

February: Two day consultation on Station, Shared Service Hub and canal projects.

March: Business cases submitted for Kidsgrove Station and Canal Enhancement projects.

June: Business case submitted for Shared Service Hub.

July: Official opening of the Kidsgrove Sports Centre.

2023

September: Negotiations underway for purchase of land for Shared Service Hub.

November: Public event for Shared Service Hub.

2024

September: Canal enhancement works begin

Autumn: Canal enhancement will be completed.

2025

Work continues on all projects to bring them to completion.

2026

March: End date for Town Deal funding

If you need any further information on the Town Deal, please contact us:

Email: economicregeneration@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk

Phone: 01782 717717