Corby set to receive £19.9m from Towns Deals

Corby is one of 26 towns in England that will share over £610 million to boost their local economies, create jobs and help them build back better from the pandemic says commercial property agent Prop-Search.

The town has been named by the Government as one to benefit from new Towns Deals with the money to help them to grow their local economies, while also carving out new opportunities to reshape the look and feel of their areas.  The aim is that the Deals will help breathe new life into neglected areas or unused buildings by creating vibrant spaces for businesses, community events or much needed new homes.

Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “We are levelling up towns and cities across the country by building stronger and more resilient local economies, boosting prosperity and opportunity in our communities, and helping them build back better from the pandemic.”

“Today I am announcing new town deals in 26 areas, backed by over £610 million investment from the Towns Fund.  This will support locally-led projects to transform disused buildings and public spaces, deliver new green transport and create new opportunities for people to develop new skills.  This is a boost for communities and businesses across England.”

Corby has been granted £19.9m.  Projects including a new sixth form college run by The Bedford College Group - which has the Tresham Campus on nearby Oakley Road - is in the running and could cost up to £6m.  The plan would be to site it within the upper two floors of Chisholm House; the majority of which has been vacant and in bare shell condition for many years.  It would be renovated to a carbon-negative standard using the very latest innovative technologies and will deliver a modern, fit for purpose building that could accommodate 537 young people by 2025/26.

Samantha Jones, an Associate Director of Prop-Search, said: “Also possible is a new key gateway point at Market Walk East, the current site of a large car park, which may include an art gallery or digital/community hub.  The exact services to be provided are as yet unclear as the Council will look to engage with local stakeholders to determine the most beneficial uses.  A new cycle network connecting the railway station on the edge of Corby Old Village and the town centre were also included in the bid.”