Village centre set for £500,000 major revamp
‘We can start to talk to residents to get the proposals just right’
KEGWORTH village centre is set for a major revamp after £500,000 of funding was secured by North West Leicestershire District Council.
The funding comes from the Business Rates Pool via the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) which allocates money to projects that promote economic growth in the region. It will be matched by £450,000 from the district council and £50,000 from Kegworth Parish Council.
Kegworth Parish Council will work closely with the district council to deliver a scheme that will focus on improving the village’s infrastructure, stimulating economic growth and supporting businesses.
It is expected to include redesigning the public space in the centre of the village and making the village better for cyclists, especially people who cycle to work. This will follow a period of engagement and interaction with businesses and the public, a large part of which began late last year.
Leicestershire County Council has been working with the parish council to trial new parking measures on the market place to support businesses there. This followed the opening of a new bypass in 2018 which has drastically improved the traffic and reduced congestion through the village.
The results of this trial will play a significant part in deciding how the money is spent.
Coun Tony Gillard, portfolio holder for business and regeneration from the district council, said: “The new bypass was a huge victory for Kegworth and has had a hugely positive impact on the village.
“It allowed Kegworth to start to get its identity back but also marked a period of significant change for businesses and residents alike. This £500,000 is designed to help Kegworth continue to forge a new and bright economic future where businesses can continue to thrive in a still bustling and busy village.
“The funding will match money from the district and parish councils and we’re looking forward to working closely with our partners on this important project.”
Ward member Coun Bertie HarrisonRushton said: “I’m delighted that the LLEP has recognised the opportunity that we saw to improve the village centre which has resulted from the new bypass. The money will mean that Kegworth will become an even more attractive place to live, shop, visit or work.”
Ward member Coun Carol Sewell said: “Some time ago a consultation was carried out in Kegworth.
“It was apparent from this that residents who responded liked most aspects of the initial proposals but didn’t want local taxes to increase in order to pay for them.
“The funding from the business rates pool and the two councils now means that we can start to talk to residents and businesses again about how we can get the proposals just right.”