PLAYGROUNDS and town centres are set to benefit from new government funding.
St Helens is among 66 areas that will share £18 million to upgrade children’s play areas, with additional funding available to improve high streets and public spaces as part of the government’s Pride in Place strategy.
The investment includes £301 million for High Streets Innovation Partnerships to reimagine town centres, potentially transforming them into mixed-use areas with new homes, community facilities and green spaces.
Steve Reed, Communities Secretary, said: "People have watched their communities decline for too long, with little say over how they're run.
"This government is determined to change that – giving communities the tools, the funding and the power they need to rebuild.
"From new playgrounds to reimagined high streets, we’re putting power back in people’s hands.
"People across the country will see and feel the difference this investment makes, restoring pride in local areas."
The £18 million allocated for playgrounds will be directed to the most deprived communities, with no requirement for councils to bid or compete for funding.
St Helens and other selected areas were chosen based on income deprivation affecting children and limited access to current play facilities.
Councils are also being encouraged to consider buying British materials when upgrading or building new play areas.
“This funding is a welcome step from Government and reflects the clear need to invest in communities like St Helens that have been overlooked for far too long.
St Helens Council leader Anthony Burns said the details of what the investment will be used foris being worked on and that the local authority will aim to let residents know as soon as possible.
He said: "Labour in St Helens is committed to rebuilding our communities from the ground up — investing in our young people, improving neighbourhoods, and restoring pride in place. We will work to deliver these playgrounds quickly and effectively, for our residents.
"This is exactly the kind of targeted, community-focused investment our borough needs, and we will continue to make the case for sustained funding to properly support our towns and families.”
The funding forms part of the wider Pride in Place approach, which aims to restore community pride through long-term investment in neighbourhoods.
A separate £20 million, spread over 10 years, is already supporting regeneration efforts in selected areas.
The strategy also includes pilot projects to improve public service delivery by pooling resources from local authorities, the NHS and education providers.
These pilots will tackle specific challenges such as SEND provision in Liverpool and youth offending prevention in the North East.
Other supported areas and projects include cost-of-living support in Canvey Island, improved public safety in Dewsbury, and the creation of a youth zone in Wrexham.
Plans for St Helens under the latest funding have not yet been detailed, as allocations for the High Streets Innovation Partnerships will be confirmed at a later date.
Elsewhere in the region, Knowsley and Wirral are among the other communities set to benefit from the playground investment.
The government says the latest investment is a step forward in its mission to regenerate high streets, improve public spaces and empower residents in deprived areas across the UK.
Share