A regeneration project in South Derbyshire which could potentially created more than 3,000 new jobs has received a multi-million pound boost.
Once complete, the Woodville Regeneration Route, running between the village of Woodville and the town of Swadlincote, will unlock development land for hundreds of new homes and much-needed commercial space.
The new £13.4 million road, overseen by Derbyshire County Council, will now benefit from a £6.4 million investment by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership from its £250 million Local Growth Fund allocation.
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In recent years, Swadlincote has seen substantial job creation and new housing development following a severe decline after the closure of its mining and ceramic industries.
It is currently one of the fastest-growing areas in England with the fifth fastest-growing population in the country outside the South East.
The Woodville Regeneration Route will unlock land within the Woodville Regeneration Area.
Recently, developer Harworth Group was granted permission by South Derbyshire District Council to build 300 new homes, along with 150,000 sq ft of employment space, on a 53-acre former coal and clay workings site which makes up part of the regeneration area.
The first section of the new road is already complete as part of the Woodville Woodlands housing development.
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Now, work to complete the Woodville Regeneration Route is due to begin in the autumn, with completion due in 2021.
David Williams, interim chairman at D2N2, said: “Our investment into this road linking Swadlincote and Woodville will help create the homes and jobs the South Derbyshire area needs to continue to thrive.
“As we move towards the recovery stage of the coronavirus pandemic, D2N2, through investments such as this, will continue to play a central role in supporting our communities, ensuring no area is left behind.”
Councillor Simon Spencer, the county council’s cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure, said: “This funding is the final piece in the jigsaw funding puzzle for the Woodville Regeneration Route so I’m delighted that it has been agreed.
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“Once built the road will help to regenerate the whole area, bringing jobs and new homes.”
Councillor Martyn Ford, leader of South Derbyshire District Council, said: “South Derbyshire is a fast-growing area and we welcome this grant funding, which will create employment, new homes and relieve congestion on our existing road network.
“This is good news for South Derbyshire and will help boost the local economy as it begins to recover following the coronavirus pandemic.”