It’s official – Hereford has been given the go ahead to spend £22.4 million of Government investment on transformational projects that’ll boost ambitions for a green, fair, and connected future.
Fifteen capital projects that will bring about new skills, creative places and community connections have been formally approved by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, meaning they can now all move into delivery.
The interconnected portfolio of projects, many of which were first suggested by community groups and businesses in 2020 when the #StrongerHereford Board announced Hereford would apply for funding from the UK-wide Towns Fund Scheme, has the potential to supercharge the way residents and tourists live, work and visit in the city.
Now that funding has been confirmed, the physical work can begin. This includes improved access to the river and new floating pontoons as part of an ambitious riverside regeneration. Hereford will also be opening pioneering education hubs connected to fast-growing industries like video game design, digital creative skills, and engineering; while investment in cultural venues – including the major overhaul of Hereford Museum and introduction of a rooftop terrace and a new lease of life for the city library inside Maylord Orchards Centre – will drive tourism and provide residents and visitors with more flexible, inclusive, inspirational spaces.
Also green lit is the redevelopment of the historic pavilion on Castle Green; the creation of an extreme sports hub; electric buses for the city; and the exciting Southside development in Newton Farm in South Wye, which will incorporate sports pitches, community garden and employability hub to boost skills, jobs, entrepreneurialism and more.
Detail of all 15 projects, and the groups who will now work hard to turn them into reality over the coming years, can be found online at www.strongerhereford.co.uk.
Chair of #StrongerHereford, Abigail Appleton, said: “This is thrilling news is and huge credit to the power of collaboration across our city to inspire and deliver ambitious change.
“On behalf of the #StrongerHereford Board, I’d like to say what a privilege it is to work with so many people from community groups, charity, volunteers from all walks of life, the business sector, education, and our city and county councils, who share a vision to help make Hereford greener, fairer, more creative, more connected and more skilled.
“There will be more challenges ahead to deliver the plans but with this government green light and all the energy and determination that’s got us this far, I am confident of success.”
Councillor Ellie Chowns, Herefordshire Council member of #StrongerHereford Board, added: “We are delighted to receive confirmation of this significant funding for investment in our City.
“The delivery of these exciting projects can now get underway, providing an important boost in education, sports, employment and culture, for residents and visitors.”
#StrongerHereford Board is currently recruiting Youth Representatives. Residents aged 18-21 are invited to apply, and will join the Board to help oversee and drive forward the delivery of the exciting programme. For details visit www.strongerhereford.co.uk
