Dozens of new homes will be created in the heart of Scunthorpe through a new Government-backed grant scheme.
Property owners and developers can apply for up to £15,000 per vacant unit to help fund refits, rebuilds and new build homes designed for young professionals and families.
This latest part of a new vision for Scunthorpe High Street adds to the recent investment in gigabit broadband, community events space, new gardens and innovation grants for businesses.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “By developing new homes more people will be living and working in the heart of the town.
“People need good quality homes close to leisure facilities and amenities, places for young people to enjoy living in the town centre, or for people to raise families and feel part of a vibrant community and we will use this Government cash to make that happen.
“This is part of our vision for Scunthorpe which we have designed so that it evolves into a centre for learning, living, leisure and business.
“We have already created a wonderful open space with Church Square Gardens, we are preserving and developing St John’s church, building a technology and innovation hub, and have delivered broadband.”
This latest cash comes on top of targeted support through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for retailers to adopt sustainability and digital technologies.
Shopkeepers can use the cash to invest in energy infrastructure such as solar panels, biomass boilers, insulation, heat pumps and energy efficient products such as LED lighting or invest in new digital technologies.
The £1m is targeted to the town centre from a £3.2m pot which will be used to deliver at least 400 new homes across the whole of Scunthorpe.
Property owners can repurpose underused sites, bring back vacant units or derelict sites into residential use or develop new-build homes.
Holly Mumby-Croft, MP for Scunthorpe, is the vice-chair of the Towns Fund Board. She said: “This latest instalment of developments through the Towns Fund will add further to creating a new, more vibrant and busier town centre.
“Creating new homes for families will have a huge impact in and on the High Street and I am really pleased the Government is backing these plans with the money needed to get it off the ground.”
It is the latest part of the more than £80m of Government funding which has backed the council plans for creating a new future in North Lincolnshire. This includes cash for roads, new motorway junctions, enabling people to develop their skills and supporting communities.
Cash from the Towns Fund, Future High Streets, Levelling-Up, UK Shared Prosperity and through other Government departments comes alongside £75m for a new port development, £5m for the A15 enhancements, investment in the new university campus, tens of millions for education and the £200m plus paid to support jobs throughout the pandemic.
Apply for a housing development grant on the Invest In North Lincolnshire website.
