Newark has been chosen to receive up to £25million from the government-awarded Towns Fund.
At the end of July 2020, the Newark Towns Fund Board submitted a 'Town Investment Plan' to the Government, setting out a range of projects for the next 30 years that provide a basis for future investment.
Transformative plans for Newark have been given the go ahead by the Government, following today’s announcement that Newark is to receive £25 million funding as part of the Government’s Towns Fund initiative.
Listen to members of Newark Towns Fund Board talk about some of the exciting projects given the go ahead in the video below:
What is the Towns Fund?
In September 2019, the government invited 100 towns, including Newark, to develop proposals for a Town Deal, as part of the £3.6 billion Towns Fund. The overarching aims of the Towns Fund is to drive the sustainable economic regeneration of towns to deliver long term economic and productivity growth.
In January 2020 the Newark Towns Fund Board was set up which comprises more than 40 private and public businesses and bodies. This includes businesses, educators, the community and voluntary sectors and town, district and parish councils and together with the local community and local businesses, developed plans to transform the town’s economic growth prospects with a focus on improved transport, heritage, skills and culture. This plans formed involved the submission of Newark’s ‘Town Investment Plan’ which will be available here within the next few months.
Newark Town’s Fund proposals
In July 2020 the Newark Towns Fund Board submitted the Newark ‘Town Investment Plan’ which outlines thirty projects to span the next 30 years, including plans to regenerate the town centre, boost business and improve infrastructure. The government has announced that this plan has been accepted.
The priority projects identified to Newark are:
IASTI (Newark)® - an International Air Space and Training Institute which will create new jobs locally and train the next generation of skills-matched aviation professionals with military and civil partners including pilots, engineers and ground staff
Expanding the YMCA Newark and Sherwood Community and Activity Village by constructing a new state of the art home to sports and leisure facilities, music and art spaces, conferencing, a wellbeing and health delivery service suite, culinary training, the largest outdoor skate park in the East Midlands and an Olympic climbing centre
Working with University partners to develop a Smart Innovation, Supply Chain and Logistics Enterprise zone to create a centre of excellence with regional and national significance and to provide access to skills development and career pathways
The Castle Gate House project to enhance the experience of Newark’s foremost historical asset and transform the Castle into a major attraction for residents and visitors alike
The redevelopment of 32 Stodman Street (the former Marks and Spencer’s) to create high quality Town Centre residential living and new commercial and office space, creating activity and footfall
Newark Cultural Heart – plans to drive and measure additional footfall and local spend through the repurposing of public buildings and spaces, an ongoing calendar of events and activities, and developing a brand and tone of voice for the Town
The relocation of the current police station on Queen’s Road to Castle House, enabling us to keep and work more closely with Police colleagues and allowing the redevelopment of the current site
Aspirations to work with a range of partners to transform Newark into a ’20-minute town’, giving people the ability to meet most of their everyday needs within a 20-minute walk, cycle or local public transport trip from their home
Councillor David Lloyd, Co-Chair of the Newark Town Board and Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council explains more in the video below:
Newark Towns Fund Board
The Newark Towns Fund Board comprises more than 40 private and public businesses and bodies and is the vehicle through which the vision and strategy for the town is defined. It has submitted a 'Town Investment Plan' and will inform the Town Deal, including the amount of investment secured through the Towns Fund.
The Board comprises of representatives from the local business and education sectors, relevant national government organisations and/or arm's length bodies, local representative organisations and community groups; Local Authorities and relevant Parish Councils; and the local MP. Membership will be reviewed every year.