Let's go Leyland! Fantastic news for Leyland as Town Deal awarded full £25 million in funding

£25 million, the full amount of funding available to the Leyland Town Deal, has been awarded to the borough following a ground-breaking bid to Government which will see radical changes to the town centre.

The project has already seen £13m contributed directly by the Council and with Government's full allocation of funding, £38m will be invested in the area.

The Leyland Town Deal Board, which includes representatives from private sector businesses, education, public, community and voluntary sectors submitted the successful bid in October 2020 and now, with the confirmation of funding, the project can now progress.

The Town Deal will see incredible improvements to the town centre along with a refurbishment of the Leyland Market and the creation of new residential properties and a new business and skills hub. 

The plans are set to see a boost to business and skills and create jobs for local people, both during the construction and within the new commercial facilities to be delivered.

Councillor Paul Foster, Leader of South Ribble Borough Council said, "We are absolutely delighted that we have been awarded the full £25 million for this project. The plans were radical and ambitious and will provide for delivery of desperately needed affordable homes for our local families, new business units and a long overdue refurbishment for the Leyland Market.

"We have worked tirelessly to ensure this investment wasn't lost in the turbulent waters of Central Government and the role of the council and our team has been pivotal. I'm so proud that we were able to create a really compelling case for Leyland.

"I want to thank everyone who has been involved in getting us to this stage; it is only by the work of the board to drive this project forward and the support of our local residents and businesses that this bid has been the success it has.

"I look forward now to the project progressing!"

Work had already been taking place in the background to get the ball rolling on the project. The Town Deal has already been to local residents and businesses for consultation and a successful 'Meet the Buyer' event has taken place to engage local contractors and other construction-based businesses to get involved in the project.

The planning applications for the scheme designs have been submitted and the next steps will be finalising the design, appointing contractors to deliver the scheme and engaging with those businesses who will be impacted by the works.

Charles Hadcock, DL, Chair of Leyland Town Deal said, "We are delighted that it is now 'full steam ahead' for Leyland Town Deal and the full £25m of funding has been given the go-ahead. 

"It is great to be able to move to the next stage of the project. The Leyland Town Deal plans have been developed following a lot of consultation with businesses and residents and there will also be opportunities for local business to get involved in the construction phase of the schemes following the meet the buyer events earlier this year."

Find out more about the Leyland Town Deal

14 October 2022