Boris’s regeneration boost
Uxbridge scoops £2m from Mayor (who’s also the town MP)
BORIS Johnson will inject £2million to regenerate Uxbridge town centre after Hillingdon Council bid for a share of the Mayor of London’s £20 million London Regeneration Fund.
The council will set aside the money to rejuvenate the High Street, Vine Street, Windsor Street, and to develop the space outside the Civic Centre for more community use.
The improvement work will be completed in line with the London Regeneration Fund’s timescale between April 2016 and April 2018.
The Mayor, who is also MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, said: “High streets and town centres the length and breadth of London are a hive of economic activity fuelled by creative minds.
“It’s important that we make sure they continue to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving city and the talented people who are key to its future success.
“It’s fantastic to see so many applicants to this fund, offering innovative ways to nurture and support the dynamism and creativity that will power our economy in the years ahead.”
The London Regeneration Fund aims to make the most of the city’s wealth of talent in creativity and technology, and the Hillingdon project ‘Uxbridge Change of Heart’ secured £800,000, with a tough competition from 69 other applicants.
Councillor Douglas Mills, Hillingdon cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Being awarded the London Regeneration Fund means that we are on the right path to create a thriving and vibrant town centre for Uxbridge.
“The changes being planned reinforce our commitment to the town and will encourage the business community to make further investment in Uxbridge, retaining it as a key component of our borough.”
The improvement work is said to complement much greater private sector investment under way over the next few years, including the former RAF Uxbridge, St Andrews, Charter Place with Primark opening together with ‘ Uxbridge Change of Heart’.
Hillingdon Council says that the cash boost will bring the “renewal of the Uxbridge town centre as well as creating many new job opportunities”.