At a Full Council meeting on Monday 21st March, East Staffordshire Borough Council voted to approve four projects from the revised £23.8m Burton Towns Fund programme for submission to Government.
Councillor George Allen, Leader of the Council, said: “I’m delighted the Council has approved this once in a lifetime regeneration programme to transform Burton upon Trent. The projects will make Burton a better place to live, work and visit and I’m pleased we are now in a position to submit the Burton Towns Fund programme to Government.”
Ben Robinson, Chair of the Town Deal Board, said: “The Towns Fund programme has provided Burton with a unique opportunity to invest and revitalise the town. The programme consists of projects that will enhance tourism in the town, promote its heritage, drive the economy and grow the skills of our residents. I eagerly await the Government’s decision.”
Councillors approved four transformative projects be submitted to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Project D: High Street Linkages
This project looks at how to regenerate the riverside area of Burton Town Centre, focusing on the land between the High Street and the Washlands flood defences, running from Burton Bridge to the Garden of Remembrance.
The project will develop a number of opportunities to create jobs and homes, encourage visitors and increase footfall and expand growth in local tourism.
Project G: Canal Towpath Improvements
The project will upgrade the surface of the towpath that runs along the Trent and Mersey Canal so it can be used by cyclists and pedestrians. This route will create an active travel route between the new housing developments around Lawns Farm, Branston and Burton, with many connections for onward travel.
The Canal Towpath Improvements project will improve the towpaths through Burton so they can be used year-round for travel and leisure use by residents and visitors.
Project H: Cycle Network Enhancements
Cycling and pedestrian improvements are to be delivered along Borough Road between the rail station and the town hall; along connecting roads through residential areas, together with improved cycle provision on the A511.
Complementary cycle parking will be installed at key locations.
The scheme aims to remove barriers to cycling and walking, helping to deliver the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan. East - west connectivity will be improved between housing growth areas, residential areas, the canal, town centre developments and onwards to the new Washlands walking and cycling bridge.
Project J: Specialist Educational Offer
This project will ensure major parts of the College’s curriculum are transformed, creating future talent for local businesses enhancing productivity and competitiveness and driving economic development. This investment will secure significant economic benefits for the town, creating a talent pool that attracts new business to the area and create future skills that help reshape the economy by growing future focussed sectors.
This reshaped curriculum looks to have employer needs at its heart and will be designed around innovative uses of technology and modern realistic working environments that allow learners to secure meaningful and transformative careers.
It is anticipated that the 5th project (Project C: Regional Learning Centre) will be coming forward for consideration later in the year.
More information on the Burton Towns Fund Programme.