Salisbury shortlisted for Government funding

Salisbury has been shortlisted for funding from the Government's Future High Streets Funds.

Salisbury is in line to benefit from a major investment to help improve the city centre for businesses, residents and visitors.

A multi-million pound bid for investment for the city from the Government's Future High Streets Funds has been successful and will now go onto the next stage.

This is a £675m central government pot of money that is open for applications from towns and cities throughout England. It recognises the continuing importance of high streets as places where commerce and community meet, and aims to support high streets as they change to meet the needs and expectations of communities now and in the future.

These projects will help transform Salisbury’s high streets to become a thriving, modern, connected, mixed economy of retail, residential, employment, culture and tourism. Salisbury’s high streets will maximise the opportunities presented by the city’s unique heritage to attract shoppers, visitors and residents with authentic and exciting experiences that everyone can enjoy.

As the bid has been shortlisted, the Government will now release some initial funding to help develop these proposals in more detail. At this stage there will be a full consultation with businesses, the community and key stakeholders.

Pauline Church, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for South Wiltshire Recovery, said: "This is great news for Salisbury.

“We will now move on with our partners and the community to secure this major investment which will boost our ongoing efforts to grow the economy, increase tourism and ensure sustainability in Salisbury.

“Our beautiful city has overcome huge challenges and now we’re ready for the next step to ensure Salisbury has a strong future.”

John Glen MP for Salisbury and South Wiltshire said: “For many weeks I have been working with Cllr Pauline Church and Wiltshire Council officers locally whilst lobbying ministerial colleagues in Whitehall.

"The decision to shortlist Salisbury reflects well on the quality of the bid and demonstrates the Government’s understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist in our great city.

"I will continue to use any other influence I have for the good of the people of Salisbury.”