– Torbay Council

– Doncaster Council

– Blackpool Council

– Bolton Council

– Portsmouth Council

– Pembrokeshire Council

– South Tyneside Council

– Stockton-on-Tees Council

– Elgin (Moray Council)

– Dumfries and Galloway Council

– Isle of Wight Council

– Keighley (Bradford Council)

– Newcastle Upon Tyne Council

The UK government has committed nearly £1 billion to 55 local projects across the country through Round 3 of the Levelling Up Fund. This substantial investment is set to create jobs, revitalise communities, and improve transport and high streets across various regions.

Key projects include enhancements to the fishing sector and job creation in Torbay, revitalisation of heritage and cultural sites in Doncaster, and crucial support for the redevelopment of Blackpool town centre’s transport network. Additionally, £150 million is earmarked for improving transport links nationwide, with £825 million allocated for town centre regeneration, aiming to foster job creation, economic growth, and community revitalisation.

Michael Gove, Levelling Up Secretary, expressed the government’s commitment to delivering local priorities and bringing change to communities previously overlooked. This funding complements other government initiatives, including devolution of power and resources from Westminster and the Long-Term Plan for Towns.

Funding distribution covers various regions: the North West receives £128 million, the North East £59 million, Yorkshire and the Humber £169 million, and the Midlands £171 million. The government selected these projects from high-quality bids submitted in the previous round, demonstrating their readiness for rapid implementation.

The Levelling Up Fund, since its inception in 2021, has allocated £3.8 billion to 216 projects. Notable achievements include the Bolton College of Medical Science, supported by £20 million from the fund, and a new carbon-neutral ferry terminal in Portsmouth.

Further, the £1 billion Long-Term Plan for Towns, announced last month, focuses on empowering communities to shape their futures, with emphasis on revitalising high streets, addressing anti-social behaviour, and enhancing transport.

The government is working closely with local authorities to ensure timely and impactful use of the funds. The full list of funded projects is available online.

In Northern Ireland, the absence of a working Executive and Assembly has paused the allocation of funds, although previous rounds have seen a total of £120 million awarded.

The Levelling Up commitments include opening 12 Freeports, signing 5 devolution deals, connecting homes and businesses with gigabit broadband, and supporting community groups in taking ownership of local assets. Town Deals, offering up to £25 million each to 101 towns, are already boosting local economies and high streets.

This round of funding will see over £825 million allocated to regenerate towns and cities, with projects like Pembroke’s public accessibility improvements, South Shields Riverside development, and the transformation of Billingham Town Centre.

Additionally, £150 million will enhance transport links, including major upgrades to the Penistone line in Yorkshire, transport connectivity improvements in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, and the development of the Island Green Link in the Isle of Wight.

The North of England will receive £356 million for 19 projects, highlighting the government’s focus on levelling up the region. This includes funding for Keighley’s manufacturing heritage, Blackpool town centre improvements, and a restoration facility in Newcastle Upon Tyne to support economic activities and job creation.