Nuneaton needs your ideas

Nuneaton is in the running for a share of millions of pounds worth of funding to help drive economic regeneration – but resident’s ideas are needed.

The town is one of 100 across the country that has been selected to bid for funding from the Government’s Towns Fund initiative.

This would be part of a wider package of improvements since Warwickshire County Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership are working in partnership to transform Nuneaton town centre with a mix of accommodation, office space and a community hub to boost economic growth as part of the Transforming Nuneaton programme.

The County Council is investing nearly £19.5 million to build a state-of-the-art library, café and business centre in the town which highlights its commitment to Transforming Nuneaton.

Cllr Peter Butlin, Deputy Leader at Warwickshire County Council, sits on the Town Deal Board and represents the county council.

There is up to £25 million available for each town to help with projects that will deliver transformation to towns across England. This is part of the Government’s commitment to ‘level up’ all regions across the country.   

In order to compete for the funding, a bid needs to be created to form a shortlist of projects that could be put forward.

Going under the name My Town Nuneaton, the initiative needs residents to help to guide what projects should be funded through five key areas - local transport, digital connectivity, urban regeneration, arts, culture and heritage and skills.

A plan of action, called a Town Investment Plan, is being drawn up to submit for the Government funding.

A Town Deal Board – made up of business representatives, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Councillors, Warwickshire County Councillors and representatives from the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Warwickshire CAVA, the health sector and community – has been created to bring a funding bid together.

Sean Farnell, Chair of the Nuneaton Town Deal Board, asked for as many people as possible to come forward, get involved and offer their ideas.

“We have a real opportunity to do some really good work for Nuneaton and bring a huge amount of improvements to the town with this funding,” he said.

“But we need people to share their ideas and what they would like to see happen under the five key areas. This is your time to have a say and help shape what we can do with this Government funding if we are successful.

“With the Transforming Nuneaton project, the town is going through a huge amount of change for the better and this will only add to this.”

Cllr Peter Butlin, who represents Warwickshire County Council on the Town Deal Board, added: “The initial response to the initiative has been excellent from residents living throughout Nuneaton but we are always keen to hear more ideas. The initial consultation ends on August 28 so people need to be quick to get their responses in.

“This is a great opportunity to shape the future plans of the town whether you live or work in Nuneaton so that we can help to put projects in place to sustain its economic future.”

Following the initial consultation, a number of shortlisted ideas will be put forward for a second round of consultation.

For further information about the campaign and to submit an idea visit www.mytownnuneaton.co.uk

To keep up to date with the initiative follow @MyTown _Nuneaton on Twitter and My Town Nuneaton at Facebook.

(left to right) Nuneaton Town Deal Board members Cllr Kris Wilson, Sean Farnell, Marion Plant and Cllr Julie Jackson