Darren Henry MP is pleased to share the fantastic news that we have submitted the £16 million Levelling Up Bid for Kimberley.
Working closely with Kimberley Town Council and getting the views from local people, a number of exciting projects have been proposed as part of the bid. This includes a brand new Business and Community Hub on the present Parish Hall Site on Newdigate Street. This will provide places for co-working and office space for small businesses and start-ups.
The Hub forms part of the wider Town Centre Improvement Proposal which includes a Town Centre Grants Scheme similar to the one implemented in Stapleford. There will be a specific focus on victorianising the Town Centre helping to promote the heritage and aesthetic of the town. Kimberley has great potential to offer a unique retail experience different to the surrounding area and this scheme will help to improve the look of the town centre and draw in visitors accordingly.
The bid will also include provisions for the purchasing of new lighting equipment, allowing for an array of different events and festivals to take place. This was recently showcased as part of the Love Kimberley Festival which brought the town to life over the Valentine’s weekend.
Plans include significant investment into sports, health and wellbeing. A new sports facility is to be developed at Swingate Farm including a new football and cricket pitch for use by local teams. In addition to this there will be a significant investment into Kimberley’s cycling offer. Following on from the recently renovated Bennerley Viaduct, funding would be sought to complete the project’s eastern ramp and to form a cycle trail that will link Kimberley both to the Erewash Valley Trail, Giltbrook, Eastwood in the West and to Phoenix Park Tram Stop in the East offering easy travel to Nottingham for employment and education.
A final aspect of the bid is the proposal to redevelop the Digby Street football pitch into 20 new industrial units providing opportunities for new businesses to move into the town, stimulating economic growth and creating local employment opportunities.
Darren Henry MP commented:
“From the moment that the Government announced the scheme, I made sure to push for a bid centred around Kimberley, ensuring that all major towns in Broxtowe receive the investment they deserve. Having worked closely with the Town Council over the past year or so, I am pleased to see a number of great and exciting projects included that offer real benefits to the people of Kimberley.
As an example of ensuring we get the best facilities, as part of the new Business and Community Hub, plans are in place to improve broadband in Kimberley. Having heard from local residents about this issue, I am keen it is something that must be implemented to really improve connectivity for the town.”
