Today, it has been confirmed that Wrexham County Borough Council will receive £219,300 from the UK Government’s ‘Community Renewal Fund’, which will go towards two local projects. The Community Renewal Fund bids were submitted by Wrexham Council earlier this year.
The two projects are:
- A town centre Development Fund to help boost Wrexham’s town centre, which has been awarded £122,400. This new Development Fund will bring together property owners and agents and new businesses looking to utilise new buildings in the town centre to increase vibrancy and reduce vacant premises.
- Secondly, a feasibility study for a Smart Local Energy System, has been awarded £96,900. The study will be led by the North Wales Economic Ambition board (NWEAB). This NWEAB feasibility study will then form part of the business case development process for the North Wales Growth Deal’s Smart Local Energy Project, which seeks to support the development of innovative energy solutions.
Earlier this year, the Community Renewal Fund was launched to support local community projects through funding to help communities bounce back from the pandemic. The then Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government, Robert Jenrick MP, said on launching the fund that it would, “empower places to explore how best to tackle local challenges – whether through building skills, supporting local businesses, supporting communities and places, or providing employment support.”
This is another win for Wrexham and our community, and it shows that the UK Government means business when it says it wants to level up the country and give communities the power to make the changes they want and need. The town centre Development Fund will give Wrexham businesses and property owners much needed support to continue the rejuvenation of our high street.
In addition, the NWEAB’s feasibility study is also an exciting project that will feed into the already successful North Wales Growth Deal, announced last year and backed by £240million investment from both the UK and Welsh Governments. This feasibility study will support our region’s net zero aims and will leverage further investment into our region.
