An area of Beverley Road is set to receive a boost after it was named as part of national regeneration scheme.
The Stepney area has been confirmed today, Wednesday 6 December, by the government’s Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities as one of 10 pilots for high street accelerator status.
The High Street Accelerator Pilot Programme is focused on working in partnership with local businesses and stakeholders to facilitate change and growth, whilst attracting footfall to the area to help counter challenging economic issues.
Stepney was earmarked as part of Hull City Council’s submission bid which highlighted key challenges and opportunities in the area. This included:
· Beverley Road is in the Central and Avenue wards where more than two-thirds of households are in the top 20 per cent most deprived nationally
· Both wards are in the lowest fifth for life expectancy at birth in the UK
· Shop vacancy rates are 9.6 per cent with an average vacancy term of 25 months
· The area still has high volumes of foot traffic and significant opportunities exist to improve the local environment
As part of the High Street Accelerator Pilot Programme, a community partnership will be created to drive change in the area with around £250,000 of revenue funding being granted in support.
There will also be opportunities to bid into further capital funding for green infrastructure.
Local businesses and stakeholders will be involved at an early stage in the programme and residents will be invited to engage with the partnership to help define a vision for change.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration and housing, said: “The High Street Accelerator Pilot Programme is an exciting scheme and it is fantastic for Hull that it has been chosen at this stage.
“Beverley Road is an area with significant challenges and one which will greatly benefit from such support.
“Some of the council’s main aims are to create a healthy economy, social cohesion and civic pride within Hull and this new funding allows us to continue this important work, but with renewed emphasis on local businesses and economy.
“I look forward to seeing how the High Street Accelerator Pilot Programme enhances the area.”
