Kirkby Neighbourhood Board have confirmed details of their first investments into the town as part of the £19.5 million Pride in Place funding secured for Kirkby over the next ten years.
At their meeting on Friday (19 June) the Board agreed the following:
- • £250,000 to go into public realm improvements to better connect the new town centre retail developments and St. Chad’s Parade.
- • £110,000 for a Kirkby Community Investment Fund to provide grant support to maintain community assets such as community centres, buildings and meeting places.
- • £22,7000 for a Kirkby Community Fund to support local organisations to deliver community activities.
- • £60,000 for a Kirkby Town Centre events programme.
- • £10,000 for an employment scheme to support local people to access employment and skills opportunities in the retail sector – aligned to the forthcoming Lidl development and wider town centre growth.
Max Steinberg CBE DL, Chair of the Kirkby Neighbourhood Board said: “It is great to be in a position now where the board are considering detailed investment proposals that are directly aligned to the community’s priorities to create a vibrant town centre, safe and stronger neighbourhoods and empower people to succeed. These clear goals really help us to focus our thinking and ensure that every penny of the funding we have received will go into meaningful projects to benefit the residents of Kirkby. And this is only just the beginning.
“The Pride in Place Programme is a ten-year project and one that has the potential to enhance Kirkby and the experiences and opportunities of its residents for generations to come. Kirkby has already benefitted from major investment so I am confident that this additional £19.5 million will complement the work completed to date and make further inroads in creating a town where people and their families can thrive.”
In addition to the priority investments for Year 1 the Board also signed off significant proposals to bring forward a major new leisure offer in the town centre.
The Kirkby Neighbourhood Board has been established as part of the Government’s Pride in Place programme (formerly Plan for Neighbourhoods programme). As part of the programme, Kirkby has been allocated £19.5m of funding to invest in local priorities over the next 10 years.
Following public consultation, the Kirkby Neighbourhood Board has developed and submitted the Kirkby Regeneration and Investment Plan to the Government. This plan includes a vision for Kirkby in 2036 which will focus on 3 key outcomes:-
1. A vibrant town centre: a welcoming destination with a diverse offer and high-quality facilities.
2. Safe, stronger neighbourhoods: secure places and community spaces that sustain activity and strengthen local life.
3. Empowering people to succeed: creating pathways and opportunities for those in need.