Hucknall awarded more than £9m in levelling up funding

Hucknall councillors and town MP Mark Spencer (Con) have all welcomed the decision, saying it will transform the town.

In a letter to Coun Jason Zadrozny (Ash Ind), Ashfield Council leader, Jacob Young MP (Con), levelling up minister said: “I am delighted to announce that Ashfield Council has been provisionally awarded up to £9,281,283 for project levelling up round two application for Hucknall as part of the spring budget.”

Coun Lee Waters (Ash Ind), who represents Hucknall Central on Ashfield Council, said: “Hucknall councillors have worked on this bid for more than three years.

"This money will transform every aspect of Hucknall town centre.

"We worked with the residents of Hucknall to put this together and I can’t thank them enough.”

Coun Zadrozny added: “This is the culmination of a lot hard work from Hucknall’s Ashfield Independent councillors and officers from the council.

"It will fulfil our vision of creating a vibrant, thriving town centre."

The successful bid will focus on three main projects in Hucknall – skills and econominc regeneration, access to Hucknall town centre and cultural and heritage gateway.

Under the skills an econominc regeneration banner, the money will be used for:

• Supporting the council’s education and skills Strategy which sets out its intentions to ensure Ashfield has a skilled, future-proof workforce.

• Opportunities for shopfront improvement grants to help businesses to improve the exterior of their premises, and start-up grants to enable new businesses to flourish

• Exploring ways to expand Hucknall’s successful outdoor markets

As part of access to Hucknall town centre, money will be used for:

• Enhancements to signs, along with the creation of a digital app, to improve access to the town centre for pedestrians and cyclists which will assist and encourage residents and visitors to travel around Hucknall using more sustainable, healthier methods

• Improved comfort and welcome facilities at the train/tram station

And as part of the cultural and heritage gateway plan, the money will be for:

• Celebrating Hucknall’s heritage by creating a new visitor experience at Hucknall Parish Church, focusing on the town’s most famous residents from the past

• Improvement of the streets, roads, and public space around the Arc Cinema to create a welcoming gateway into Hucknall town centre

• A new 3G sports pitch for residents

Coun Matthew Relf (Ash Ind), executive lead member for growth, regeneration and local planning at the council, said: "This will improve the life chances of residents in Hucknall, turbo-charge investment and fast track public transport improvements, all whilst remembering our heritage.

"This is our chance to make significant change that will be benefit Hucknall for generations to come.”

Mr Spencer commented: “I am delighted to have secured this funding for Hucknall.

"Ever since the original application from Ashfield Council was rejected I have been pushing for funding for Hucknall and I am delighted the Chancellor has listened.

"What I have already heard back from residents since the news was announced they want to know the council will spend this in Hucknall and not divert to other areas and I will be keeping a close eye to ensure the funding in spent as it should be right here in Hucknall.”