Two 'struggling' high streets in Greater Manchester selected to receive cash in new government scheme

'Struggling' high streets in two Greater Manchester towns will have a chance to bid for levelling up cash. Oldham and Hyde town centres have been selected by the government in a new scheme which means they could each get a share of £5m.

The High Street Accelerators programme will see 10 areas across the country receive £237,000 each initially to 'kickstart' new partnerships between local authorities, businesses and community organisations. These partnerships will then be able to apply for a share of up to £5m to improve green spaces on their high streets and create 'more pleasant environments' to socialise in.

A total of £7m will be spent over the next two years under the scheme which will be used to inform future government policy on supporting left-behind high streets. It follows other levelling up schemes including the £1.1bn Long-Term Plan for Towns.

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Levelling Up minister Jacob Young said: "It has been a tough few years for our high streets following the pandemic and the changes we’ve seen in consumer behaviour. We know that local people know what’s best for their area, and we’re keen to understand the benefits that High Street Accelerators could bring working with local businesses and their communities.

"These Accelerators will complement other interventions like High Street Rental Auctions, empowering local people to tackle vacancy and other issues on their high streets."

The High Street Accelerators Pilot Programme was announced in March 2023 as part of the government's Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan. Union Street and