Funding bid key to Houndshill extension plans

The council, which bought the centre in November for £47m, is seeking £5m from the government's Future High Street Fund (FHSF) towards a three-storey development including a nine-screen Imax-style cinema, two restaurants and a new Wilko Store to replace the Talbot Road site closing at the end of March.

The scheme is subject to the bid being successful, and could be completed by the end of 2021 if progress goes according to plan.

Council leader Coun Simon Blackburn gave the update in a report he will present to a meeting of the full council on Wednesday.

In it he adds the purchase of Houndshill "secures the future of the centre, enabling the council to invest in it and catalyse the regeneration of the town,

whilst generating a significant financial return. "

His report adds: "On the whole retailers suggested that sales were good pre-Christmas, whilst in December Starbucks relocated to larger premises on Victoria Street formerly occupied by Prezzo."

The FHSF is a £675m fund to provide infrastructure investment to help renew and reshape town centres.

It is hoped if the initial bid is successful, it will pave the way for further bids by the council.

Coun Blackburn says: "Diversifying the Houndshill experience will add to the sustainability of the shopping centre by significantly increasing footfall, boosting the town centre evening offer and subsequent wider

economy, while extending the amount of time people spend there.

"It is an important precursor to further potential investment in our town centre via the FHSF."

A shadow board has been established to shape a further FHSF bid including supporting public consultation.

Future bids could help the council acquire key properties to bring new uses into the town centre, such as more residential opportunities.

Meanwhile ticket sales from the Christmas discounted scheme offering parking for £1 in certain car parks during December 2019 show 35,000 people used the offer - up by 5,000 compared to 2018.