PROJECTS across Stratford are set to receive funding of more than £2.5million from Stratford District Council.
Council chiefs have approved plans to split the cash between nine projects in the district due to the council’s ‘strong funding position’.
It comes following an increase in the New Homes Bonus – a grant paid by government – and a rise business rates.
The highest portion of the money will go to Studley Leisure Centre which will be given £600,000 to revamp the facilities and provide a new gym.
Some £500,000 each will be given to deliver high-speed broadband to rural communities, and to build a new business centre and workshop facility – although it is not yet clear where this will be built.
There is also set to be an upgrade of CCTV which will see 87 cameras improved across the district. Henley will also see relocation and upgrades made to its CCTV system. The council is allocating £465,000 for these changes.
Some £250,000 has been set aside to refurbish the Alcester Greig Centre leisure facility.
Another £50,000 will also be given to develop a proposal for a new homelessness shelter, £80,000 to help tackle crime and antisocial behaviour, and a £75,000 business support fund to provide loans to help companies grow. Another £25,000 will also be given to improve culture and tourism.
Deputy council leader Stephen Thirlwell said: “This is a ‘one-off’ opportunity for the district council to use a proportion of its general fund reserves to deliver a number of corporate projects across the district.
“The district council’s strong financial position and the increase funding from the New Homes Bonus and business rates has enabled these corporate projects to be funded, while still retaining a good level of reserves, despite the unclear future funding of local government. It’s all about using our funding and investing wisely for the benefit of the district. These corporate projects are far reaching and will make a huge difference in the district.”
In future the council plans to invest in other projects including the development of its housing company, electric car charging points and reviewing extra car parking along Warwick Road.
It has also vowed to continue aiming to attract external funding for a number of projects including improving south Warwickshire waterways, developing a council owned building in Studley into a business centre, building a campus at Wellesbourne in partnership with Warwick University and regenerating the former Co-op site in Studley.
