Shrewsbury has won £1.8m to help take forward a plan to support the provision of 3,500 new homes in the borough by 2016.
The government announced this week that Shrewsbury would receive a share of its £732m Growth Fund, amounting to £1,834,094 in capital funding and £140,000 in revenue for 2008/09.
Funding in future years, up to 2011, could total as much as £3.5m, but is yet to be confirmed.
Shrewsbury and Atcham was named as a New Growth Point in October 2006 as part of a government partnership and was invited to put forward a plan for sustainable and managed growth.
Housing and commercial development were identified as the main focuses, but Shrewsbury’s particular challenge was to ‘overcome the constraints of its unique form and historic character’.
An integrated transport strategy was considered a critical element, along with providing around 3,500 extra homes by 2016 and improvements to the town centre.
The borough was allocated £200,000 initially to investigate land supply and provision issues, and its latest funding allocation is viewed as a significant boost.
Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council leader Peter Nutting said: “This is great news for Shrewsbury and reflects the importance of the borough as a major growth point in the rural West Midlands. The money will help to boost the rising levels of investment already taking place.” Councillor Malcolm Pate, leader of Shropshire County Council, said: “I welcome these funds for investment in Shrewsbury’s infrastructure to support jobs, housing and environmental improvement.”
Officers from both councils worked on the submission and there will continue to be liaison in the run-up to the new unitary authority in April 2009, which will ultimately oversee the scheme.
l Meanwhile, work is due to start on new cycle paths in the town in the New Year after funding was secured through a TV vote.
The Sustrans Connect2 project was announced as the winner of the ITV Living Landmarks: The People’s Millions competition yesterday (Wednesday).
County council officers will receive £500,000 out of the £50 million pot to put towards improving access for cyclists in the town centre and north Shrewsbury.
Jan Cook, Shropshire County Council’s senior transport planner, said: “This is fantastic news and a great Christmas present for the town.”