Five further areas in the north west are set to benefit from a £1bn pool of government cash to ‘reinvent’ England's high streets.
Blackpool town centre, Runcorn old town, Rochdale town centre, Bacup town centre and Kirkham town centre are among 50 additional areas to have been shortlisted for the Future High Streets Fund.
The areas will progress to the second phase of the Future High Streets Fund and could receive up to £150,000 to support the development of detailed project proposals that can be submitted for capital funding, the government explained.
The announcement comes after the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government revealed an initial 50 areas shortlisted for the £675m Future High Streets Fund last month, which included Stockport, Wigan, Trafford and Bolton.
A further £325m of funding has been secured for these additional 50 areas to improve transport and access into town centres, convert empty retail units into new homes and workplaces, and invest in vital infrastructure, taking the total fund to £1bn.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he will do “everything [he] can” to ensure high streets remain “vibrant” places.
He said: “With our town centres facing challenges, we’re today expanding the High Streets Fund to support over 100 high streets to regenerate – backed by £1 billion of vital investment.
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“This scheme is going to re-energise and transform even more of our high streets – helping them to attract new businesses, boost local growth, and create new infrastructure and jobs.”
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick added: “Interest in the Fund has been huge, and with so many strong applications, I am extending the number of towns moving forward to the next phase and getting a chance to develop their proposals.
“The government is going to level-up our regional economies and as Communities Secretary I am proud to be driving this agenda forward.”