We are updating residents regarding the £15million Regeneration Funding awarded in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.

On 16 January 2024, the Department of Levelling Up Housing and Communities informed the Council ‘the award has been made to place, rather than for a specific project, it can be spent on a single project or multiple projects in any locality that falls within the Council’s jurisdiction’.

The criteria for the funding is very clear. All schemes must be deliverable on time, provide value for money and have stakeholder’s support. In addition, all business plans must include a specified ‘end user,’ responsible for the running of premises and all future revenue costs.

As a starting point, all projects from the original Levelling Up Fund 2 bid for Bolsover Town Centre, were reconsidered. All projects which remain viable and deliverable by March 2026 (as stipulated within the guidance), have been included. These include improvements to public realm and shop fronts, along with a new community business centre and creative retail outlet. These schemes total in excess of £6m, dedicated solely to Bolsover Town Centre.

During the review of proposals, it was clear that some of the original projects for Bolsover Town Centre, could not be delivered by the cut-off date of March 2026. Unfortunately, delivery of the cultural hub, could not be included as it is a 4-year project and an end-user (with all management responsibilities), has not been identified. Other buildings within the original proposal are now either sold or occupied. However, where possible, alternative proposals for the town have been put forward.

In addition, the Council is currently working with the Arts Council on some proposals for alternative schemes totalling £5million for the Town Centre.

Therefore, in accordance with the criteria, the Council undertook a review of remaining deliverable projects across the District. Working with the Department of Levelling Up Housing and Communities, proposals have been submitted which include a wider public realm and shop front improvements scheme across the District alongside specific projects in Pinxton, Blackwell and Shirebrook.

The Council’s Leader Steve Fritchley said: “I have made it quite clear the funding will be spent, where possible, in Bolsover Town Centre. However, rather than return unspent funding to the Government, it should be utilised for the benefit of residents across the District.

“Recent figures released indicate that only 10% of the money allocated from the Government’s Levelling Up agenda since 2020 has been spent as local authorities are struggling to meet the tight deadlines. Something I am not going to let happen in Bolsover District.

“We are a district council, representing over 80,000 people and have a responsibility to each and every one of them. We cannot focus on one area alone as we do not believe this is fair and just. That is why we have spread the money around the District so it benefits a wide range of communities and people.”