Regeneration schemes for Ollerton and Clipstone will now “continue at pace” after being put on hold while Newark and Sherwood District Council sought confirmation of Government funding.
Under the former Conservative Government’s “Levelling Up” programme, the council secured £20 million from a first round of funding and a further £20 million from a third round.
The first amount was to be spent on building the Newark Southern Link Road, while money from the third round was allocated to regeneration schemes in Ollerton and Clipstone.
Work on the £100 million Southern Link Road project pressed ahead despite the fact that no funds had been released by the Government, but regeneration schemes in Ollerton and Clipstone were put on hold.
However, during a Newark and Sherwood District Council Cabinet meeting on Monday (4 November), it was confirmed that the new Labour Government had committed to funding all schemes.
Matt Lamb, Director of Planning and Growth, said: “I’m pleased to say, with Levelling Up Fund Three, the long-term plan for the Towns Fund, and the UK Prosperity Fund, there have been positive indications in all of them that those funding streams are to continue, which is great news.
“Interestingly, we also have an update from Government regarding Levelling Up One, confirming that it is safe and confirmed, which is a relief given how much has already been spent on the Link Road to the south of Newark. That project at least has been delivered and remains on time and on budget.”
The Southern Link Road will connect the A46 at Farndon to the A1 at Fernwood to ease congestion. The first section is expected to open at the end of November after additional works have taken place.
Ollerton’s regeneration plans include a new town centre with a public sector service centre, housing services from the Town and District Councils; a brand-new, state-of-the-art library and community space; a community cinema; retail spaces; and new homes.
Clipstone’s plans feature new sports facilities, including cricket and football pitches, a new visitor centre at the Vicar Water Country Park, and more units for businesses.
Mr Lamb said he understands that the Government will revise the original spending deadline from March 2026 to March 2028.
“That is eminently sensible given the delays we’ve had from Government in reconfirming those funds,” he added.
Cllr Rhona Holloway, leader of the Conservative Group, said: “I would like to congratulate Matt and his team for this.
“I would also like to reiterate our thanks to the previous Government, the Conservative Government, for actually allocating this money in the first place to the previous administration to bring these projects forward.
“I’d also like to thank the current Government for confirming they would indeed provide us with the money. I think it is really good news, and it’s great that we are going to be able to move at pace again to get these projects done.”
Councillor Claire Penny (Lab), Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development, added: “It has been a difficult time not knowing. Sometimes, not knowing is more difficult than knowing what you are faced with.”
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