More needs to be done to revive Redditch town centre (From Redditch Advertiser)
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More needs to be done to revive Redditch town centre
12:00pm Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News
MUCH more needs to be done to not only revive Redditch’s tired and ailing high street, but attract more businesses into town.
That is the urgent message from Redditch Town Centre Partnership, a non-political group representing the interests of local businesses and stakeholders.
With the support of Redditch Council the group has bid for a Goverment support package, which includes a £10,000 grant, to revitalise the town centre.
Besides the cash, support will come from the ATCM, the Association of Town Centre Management, which has more than 20 years of experience in helping towns improve their prosperity.
The move comes after not one, but two, failed attempts for funding through the Portas Pilot town scheme.
The scheme was headed by TV star and retail guru Mary Portas and could have seen Redditch receive a slice of £1.2 million.
A spokesman from Redditch Town Centre Partnership said that the Portas Pilot failure hasn’t deterred the group’s determination to help the town centre.
Speaking about the group’s vision, she said: “Redditch will have a vibrant, prosperous and embracing town centre, which is accessible to all, with exceptional recreational, leisure, retail and community facilities that can be utilised and enjoyed by all.”
Redditch MP Karen Lumley pledged her support to the bid, saying she is happy to be on board.
"I am delighted to be supporting the bid to access the Town Team Partners support initiative which is a combination of advice from the ATCM and a £10,000 grant which will be used to promote the town centre,” she said.
“The town centre is vital for the prosperity of our town and any programme which can help to bring new jobs, innovation and more visitors to Redditch has my full backing and support.”
As well as bidding for the support package the group will be launching a business support scheme to help new independent businesses.
There will be a special launch held at Redditch’s New College this Friday, September 21 from noon to 1pm.
Details of the scheme will be released on the day.
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