Sheffield has been named as one of the first cities to benefit from government’s Levelling Up programme set out in a new White Paper.
Sheffield is one of the first of 20 places to benefit from the government funding that aims to transform cities and economies, create new homes, jobs, improve health, education and leisure facilities as well as roads and railways.
The plan aims to provide a streamlined strategy for government departments to work across, that ensures a well-coordinated approach with local city leaders, helping to bring about significant change, quickly. It builds upon work already in motion between city representatives and Homes England to form a collective approach to housing growth.
Government representatives are expected to visit Sheffield later this month to begin work with the city on initial plans for how to approach the regeneration at scale and at pace. This is set be the first in a series of meetings to support the city in delivering its ambitions for physical, economic and social regeneration.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Terry Fox, said: “This is promising news for Sheffield and the South Yorkshire region, and shows that government have recognised our ambitions and all of the great work that is already being carried out here to make our city an even better place to call home.
“The disjointed, haphazard and disproportionate approach to funding and support for cities outside of London needs to be addressed swiftly to tackle the growing inequalities and speed up regional productivity. I welcome the governments objectives outlined in the white paper today, but we really need to see more detail now and find out where the cash is.
“Levelling up is a long-term commitment that we in Sheffield are determined to drive forward regardless of today’s announcement but we look forward to working with Government over the coming weeks to see how the agenda can bring about true and lasting change in our city and for our people.”
Mazher Iqbal, Executive Member for City Futures: Development, Culture and Regeneration, said: “Today’s announcement is a long awaited step for Sheffield, that if it works, has the potential to help us achieve our bold and ambitious plans for the city.
“In Sheffield there is already some brilliant, innovative work taking place and last year we received £37m towards Castlegate and Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park. We will build upon developments that are already underway such as Heart of the City, Central Area Strategy, Castlegate, Sheaf Valley & Park Hill, Attercliffe, Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, Advanced Manufacturing innovation District, Kelham Island & Neepsend, Gleadless Valley and Stocksbridge, to ensure Sheffield is at the forefront of regeneration and a city that serves its people for years to come.
“More detailed discussions need to take place over the next weeks to iron out what the 12 priorities of the Levelling Up White Paper mean for Sheffield and our vision. We hope that this is the first step in government departments pooling resources, listening to and support our ambitions, coordinating investment and helping us to deliver real regeneration and the economic prosperity that we deserve in Sheffield.”
