Leisure destination plan for old town gas works
PLANS to transform the site of a former gas works in Nuneaton town centre into a leisure destination are being backed by a £775,000 investment.
The site in Abbey Street is to be regenerated in two phases, the first being a 145-bedroom hotel creating more than 30 new jobs while the second will have a cinema, offices, homes and a public plaza.
This new grant by the West Midlands Combined Authority will help cover the cost of demolition work and the clean-up of the land so work can start on the £30 million first
phase. The Abbey Street development is part of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council’s Transforming Nuneaton programme of works.
In addition to the planned hotel the wider site is also earmarked for leisure buildings, a food hall, college facility and a multi-storey car park.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: “Even before the pandemic, many of our town centres and high streets were struggling as more people turned to online shopping and it had become clear towns had to diversify in what they could offer.
“The future of the high street will not be just about retail, it will also be about public services, small businesses, community activities and
homes. That’s why I’m so pleased the combined authority has been able to support this exciting scheme in Nuneaton town centre.
“This is yet another example of the brownfield investments we have continued to make throughout the pandemic to help drive our region’s economic recovery and provide affordable homes and good-quality jobs for local people.”
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council leader Cllr Kristofer Wilson added: “The council is working hard to build on every opportunity we can find to strengthen our offer for the rest of the region and the UK.
“Our borough’s location at the heart of the country is a critical factor to the contribution we can make.
“This vital funding will ensure that Nuneaton town centre is ready to play its part to the full in the economic powerhouse that is the West Midlands.”
Cllr Mike Bird, combined authority portfolio holder for housing and land and leader of Walsall Council, added: “Many of our town centres need to re-invent themselves to meet the challenges of the 21st century and the needs of our residents.
“As we look to recover from the pandemic, the authority is continuing to help councils rejuvenate and improve their town centres by investing and supporting schemes like Abbey Street.”