New plans for Gravesham’s £20m allocation from the government’s Levelling Up Fund have been signed off by Local Growth Minister Alex Norris MP.
The revised proposals focus on a ‘hub and spoke’ model to support health, wellbeing, employment and skills across the borough. £17m of the funding will be used to replace the ageing Cascades Leisure Centre with a new low-carbon leisure facility that can host regional events alongside an improved family-fun offer.
The remaining £3m of funding will be used to deliver a range of initiatives within the borough’s urban areas to improve public spaces, create new workspaces for small businesses and accommodate new community uses.
Cllr John Burden, the Leader of Gravesham Borough Council, explains why this is so important for our community.
“We are delighted that our revised plans have been given the go-ahead. This is a clear vote of confidence in the area and capitalises on the compelling case for investment in Gravesham.
“This funding will make a real difference to the lives of the residents of some of the country’s most deprived wards, helping to address health inequalities, give our residents access to local skills opportunities, and make our urban centres fit for the future economy”.
Gravesham was initially successful in securing £20m in November 2023 from what was previously known as the Government’s ‘Levelling Up’ fund to deliver earlier proposals for a new civic and community hub at St George’s Square.
Following public feedback and in response to changing economic conditions, a request was made to vary the bid. However, the general election meant that a decision on the revised proposals was put on hold while the new government reviewed spending plans.
Cabinet Member for Communities & Leisure Deborah Croxton added:
“The news that this funding can be used to support the new Cascades centre means that when complete, not only will it be a regional-standard sports centre, it will also provide a centre of support for those who need it the most.
”The impact will be felt well beyond Riverview Park where the centre is based, as our emerging ‘hub and spoke’ approach to health, wellbeing, employment and skills will be rolled out across our urban centres, including Northfleet and Gravesend Town Centres”.