South Derbyshire District Council has been provisionally awarded up to £1,108,000 to invest in Swadlincote town centre as part of Round 3 of the Government's Levelling Up Fund.

The project was submitted in Round 2 and whilst not funded was assessed as high quality and ready to deliver. The Government has now backed the project and will discuss with the council the activities that the funding could support.

 Councillor Robert Pearson, Leader of South Derbyshire District Council, said: "This is fantastic news for South Derbyshire. The council has been actively supporting Swadlincote town centre to help High Street businesses by investing our own funds and maintaining policies such as free parking."

 "It is great that these efforts have been recognised by the Government, as this award would help us to continue encouraging greater community and leisure use of the town centre."

 If confirmed, this new funding award will complement the council's current programme of investment in the town centre. Projects already underway include:

·         Regeneration of the derelict Bank House/Sabine's Yard site between Belmont Street and Midland Road to create additional public car parking

·         Refurbishment of The Delph market square to create an attractive vehicle-free public space

·         Creation of a 'Pocket Park' on Belmont Street as a new green space in the town centre with seating in a landscaped setting

·         Extension of the CCTV network with the installation of additional cameras

·         Appointment of a Community Safety Enforcement Officer dedicated to addressing issues in the town centre

·         Support for promotional activities, including marketing initiatives and public events

·         Refurbishment of the public toilets

·         Opening of South Derbyshire Visitor Information Centre, following the restoration of a traditional shop front at 1 High Street

·         Improvements to the shopfronts at No's 5-15 West Street fronting The Delph.

 The above initiatives are being funded by South Derbyshire District Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.