Next steps for Long Term Plan for Towns initiative
Residents, businesses and community groups will have the opportunity to have their say on how a multi-million-pound funding boost could breathe new life into Dudley town centre.
In October, Dudley was named as one of 55 local authorities across the country to receive £20million of government funding over ten years to support its national levelling up programme
A report going to next week’s cabinet meeting will summarise guidance from the government on its ‘Long Term Plan for Towns’ (LTPfT) initiative and the proposed next steps for the council.
Local people and their priorities will be at the centre of the process, with residents, businesses and community groups having the opportunity to have their say on how the money is spent in the coming months and years.
The existing Dudley Town Board will be refreshed, bringing together key groups and individuals to develop a shared vision and oversee funding and delivery in line with the government requirements.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said:
“We are delighted to be receiving this major funding boost to invest in Dudley over the next ten years.
“Initial planning is getting underway, but a key element will be working with our local community and I’m looking forward to hearing people’s views on where this long-term funding will be invested through the Town Board.
“This additional long-term investment will complement the multi-million-pound regeneration plans already underway in the town centre, including the new Dudley Interchange, the Metro extension and £25million towns fund, being used to develop new educational facilities.”
The Long-Term Plan for Towns will require the Town Board to develop its own plan for the town, aligned to three key themes for investment - safety and security; high streets, heritage and regeneration; transport and connectivity.
The Long Term Plan for Towns report goes to the next meeting of the cabinet on December 13.