THE Prime Minister has announced that nearly £20 million will be given to a town as part of a levelling up across the UK.

Boris Johnson has revealed that Newhaven will receive £19.3m, which will be used to regenerate investment into the town and create more jobs.

MP for Lewes, Maria Caulfield, was part of the town deal board, which put in the bid for the funding.

Newhaven is one of only 15 other areas being announced today which have successfully receive funding, which will go towards schemes aimed to improve the town.

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These schemes include:

• Regenerating business space in parts of the town such as Avis way to able more businesses to relocate to the town creating jobs for local people

• Creating a hydrogen hub in conjunction with Brighton and Hove Buses in an attempt to improve the air quality of the town, which has some of the worst pollution levels in the South East

• Improving the tourist destinations such as Newhaven Fort

• Invest in sports facilities, particularly for young people in Newhaven, such as a new 3G pitch at the football club which will enable the sports college there to go ahead

This £19.3m is on top of other massive investments from the government including, £5m from the Future High Streets Fund, over £6m from the Port Infrastructure Fund, £1.2m from the Getting Building Fund, and £800,000 from the Cultural Recovery Fund for Newhaven Fort.

Maria Caulfield MP said: "Since being elected, I have championed Newhaven and fought hard to ensure it had the backing of the government to reach its potential after years of neglect.

"I am delighted that the Prime Minister has given his backing to Newhaven and approved our town deal bid, giving a huge £19.3m in investment for regeneration in Newhaven.

"Over the next few years, the projects set out in the bid will come to life, and residents really will see a difference with nearly 300 jobs created or safeguarded.

"A 63 per cent increase in visitor numbers, 90 new affordable homes unlocked, 250 learning opportunities created each year, and more than 18 acres of new or refurbished community and green spaces.

"I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard to help put the bid together to such a high standard for approval by the Prime Minister."

Councillor James MacCleary, leader of Lewes District Council and local councillor, is part of the Town Deal Board that submitted the investment plan to the government which secured the multi-million windfall.

He said: “Newhaven is a wonderful town that is bursting with potential. We all want to see the town get the attention it deserves.

"This is undoubtedly a landmark moment for Newhaven and one that builds on the success we’ve had for attracting other funding recently.

“I would like to thank my colleagues on the Town Deal Board and council officers who together ensured our bid showcased exactly why Newhaven has so much untapped potential.

“This fund will be making a difference across the town. I have two young children who will be growing up here so it is exciting for me personally to know that we’re investing in their futures and those of everyone growing up in our town.” 

In accordance with the government’s funding criteria, council officers will now prepare and submit a detailed business case for each project in Newhaven.

The government will then scrutinise the plans prior to releasing the funds. This process could take up to 12 months to complete for some of the development proposals.