Jay Singh-Sohal

Jay Singh-Sohal has welcomed new investment of more than £155 million from the Conservative Government to improve infrastructure and cultural projects in the West Midlands, as part of the £2.1 billion being committed in the second round of the Levelling Up Fund.

The Fund – which was announced by the Conservatives in 2020 – helps to upgrade and improve infrastructure such as bridges and bus lanes, improving the everyday lives of residents. It can also be used to develop town centres and build new facilities, helping local businesses to thrive, bringing new skills and jobs to regions, and revitalising pride in communities that have been historically overlooked.

Included in the second round of funding is:

• £20 million to kickstart the delivery of over 500 new homes in Willenhall (Walsall),
• £19.8 million to begin major roadworks on the A38 and A511 in Staffordshire,
• +£17 million to modernise Leek’s Victorian market halls,
• £20 million in Hereford to improve public transport, with more cycle lanes, better station facilities and improved safety for pedestrians across the area,
• in Shrewsbury, funding for better transport links into the train station and for brownfield land to be regenerated into a new waterside development,
• £19.9 million for Malvern to create a new outdoor theatre and studio space – helping to attract 135,000 visitors. 
• Funding in Rowley Regis for a new sports and leisure facility to replace the old Haden Hill Leisure Centre.

Jay Singh-Sohal said:

“Improving peoples’ lives across the West Midlands is of the utmost importance, particularly during these difficult times.  That is why I welcome the Government’s commitment to our residents and families, through the £2.1 billion being spent country-wide, to build new facilities, upgrade infrastructure, and restore pride in our communities.  The £155 million from the Levelling Up Fund being invested in my home region will help ensure areas that have been overlooked in the past get the attention they need to develop and thrive.”

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said:

“We are firing the starting gun on more than a hundred transformational projects, in every corner of the UK, that will revitalise communities that have historically been overlooked but are bursting with potential.  This new funding will create jobs, drive economic growth, and help to restore local pride. We are delivering on the people’s priorities, levelling up across the UK to ensure that no matter where you are from, you can go as far as your talents will take you.”

The first round of the Levelling Up Fund was announced in October 2021 and saw an investment of £1.7 billion for projects across the UK.

In the West Midlands, this included £300,000 to restore the Oxford Arms, £20 million to turn Etruscan Square in Stoke to a new space with sports arena, apartments, and hotels, and over £19 million to upgrade the A457 Dudley Road.  

Today’s announcement will mean more communities across the West Midlands will receive the support they need to thrive, driving forward the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy by levelling up.

ENDS