Stratford-on-Avon District Council bid for Government's Levelling-up Fund

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has submitted a bid to the Government's Levelling-up Fund - a £4billion programme announced in the budget to invest in the regeneration, culture and transport schemes across local authorities in the UK.

The bid, which has been developed in partnership with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, seeks support to acquire and develop the Gateway site at the northern end of Stratford town centre, located at the junction of Arden Street and Birmingham Road.

Much of the site remains in private ownership and therefore at this stage the bid and the concept are exploratory.  As part of wider proposals that will deliver much needed investment for the benefit of the town and its communities, the bid envisages the creation of housing, offices, leisure and retail spaces as well as plans for a new World Shakespeare Centre to include museum, learning and community facilities.

Councillor Tony Jefferson, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council said, "Stratford-upon-Avon was the fourth hardest hit economy within the UK, so we are exploring options to bring investment to Stratford, regenerate our town and economy for the benefit of our residents and businesses. It will also support the Government's levelling up agenda for the wider region. While we await the outcome of the bid we are unable to provide further details except to say that should the project proceed it would require more detailed design and would be subject to public, local and stakeholder consultation. The opportunities presented are very significant in scale and ambition and the work done to date indicates the immense potential of the project."

A bid to the Levelling-up Fund requires the support of the area's local MP and we are grateful to Nadhim Zahawi, MP for Stratford-upon-Avon, for his endorsement and encouragement.