Levelling Up Fund: Update

Last week, the Government made the long-awaited announcement of the winners of Round 2 of its flagship Levelling Up Fund, who will share some £2.1 billion across more than 100 projects nationwide.

Whilst critics were quick to highlight the perceived bias in spending towards projects in London and the South East, the fact is that these regions accommodate a significant proportion of the UK’s population, as well as many of the country’s critical economic infrastructure and its most deprived communities.

Amongst the successful bids in our region were proposals worth £45 million by Kent County Council to improve access and resilience at the Port of Dover following recent periods of disruption related to French Covid testing requirements and (whisper it!) post-Brexit border checks. Dover will also be the recipient of £18 million for a major brownfield regeneration scheme in the town centre based around Bench Street, with neighbouring Folkestone to receive £20 million towards the redevelopment of Bouverie Square and the relocation of the town’s adjacent bus station.

Enhancements to further education, leisure facilities and small business space in Sheerness formed the basis of Swale Borough Council’s successful bid for £20 million, while Canterbury City Council will receive £19.9 million towards the reopening of the city’s ailing castle.

Bexhill is the only recipient of funding in Sussex, which Rother District Council will use on cultural, community and skills-based projects centred around the town’s iconic De Le Warr Pavilion.

As ever, Whitehall will demand shovels in the ground and ribbon cutting ceremonies at pace in return for their money, so if you require Planning, Transport, Infrastructure, Urban Design or Viability advice on your project, we would be delighted to hear from you.