Latest News - Press Release
LOTTERY BID FOR M6 GATEWAY PASSES FIRST STAGE - 16 May 2006
Walsall Regeneration Company (WRC) has moved a step closer to securing more than £18 million of national lottery funding towards its proposals for an iconic landmark feature over the M6.
Its application, under the national Living Landmarks Programme, for lottery cash for the Black Country Gateway, has passed the first stage. It means WRC will now be able to press its case when lottery officials pay a fact-finding visit to the area, including the proposed site at Darlaston on May 24 and 25.
The team from the Big Lottery Fund’s Living Landmarks Programme will also meet other stakeholders and supporters of the £23 million project before deciding if the bid can go forward to the second stage of the application process. Walsall Endeavours has played a major role in developing community awareness and support for the project.
Will Evans, Development Director for WRC, said: “The competition for funds is tough and there is still some way to go, but we are delighted that our application has been selected for a project review visit.
“We are looking forward to showing how stunning the Black Country Gateway could look and be a symbol of a revitalised Walsall which would capture people’s imagination. It is all part of regeneration initiatives to raise the borough’s profile to attract investment and transform it as a more attractive place to live and work.”
The Black Country Gateway will ‘signpost’ the Darlaston Strategic Development Area, which has the potential to generate around 3,000 new jobs through the development of high quality logistics and distribution operations and associated businesses.
This lottery funding package is completely separate to the £755 million in private and public sector investment that WRC is looking to attract for regeneration projects over the next 10 to 15 years.
Dr Peter Cromar, WRC’s Chief Executive, said: “We are encouraged by the positive response and support the local community has given this inspirational landmark. With the lottery’s backing we will continue to involve the people of Walsall in this exciting project, one that is destined to become a source of immense local pride.”
Tony Kemshall, Chairman of Walsall Endeavours, the lead umbrella company for social enterprise and the social economy in the area, said: “This project will be more than a visual icon; it will be a huge opportunity for local community engagement. It will be a symbol not just of sustainable regeneration but also of active community engagement.”
The Big Lottery Fund’s UK-wide Living Landmarks Programme is considering bids of between £10 million and £25 million for inspirational schemes of regional significance.
Those projects selected to proceed to stage two will be notified in July 2006, with a final decision on the winning, ‘fully worked up’, projects being made in July 2007.
Ends
For further information please contact Lorna Bishop or Nigel Pipkin at Seal Communications on 0121 200 0780 or email lornabishop@sealcommunications.co.uk