Wakefield Council has submitted a bid for millions of pounds of government funding to improve the Hill Top area of Knottingley including a boost to recreational and family leisure activities.
The application for Levelling Up Funding reflects feedback from residents and businesses, with a wish list that includes improvements to shops, the expansion of walking and cycling links and the creation of more recreational space for children and young people.
The £18.65m funding is not guaranteed, as councils across England are competing against each other for funding.
In a public consultation held in June, 84% of respondents supported proposals to improve the shopping area of Hill Top, while 70% backed a proposal for improving walking and cycling links around Knottingley and 66% supported the creation of a multi-use outdoor recreation area next to Kellingley Club.
The top three play areas residents said they wanted to see (in order) were a play park for small children, green space with seating and a play park for older children.
The proposals have also been endorsed by the MP, ward councillors and businesses in the town centre.
Cllr Darren Byford, cabinet member for regeneration, said “We appreciate the support of everyone who took part in the consultation. We know this is a very competitive process, and this funding is not guaranteed, as we are competing against other councils. We hope this £18.65million bid succeeds as this would make a significant impact and would enable us to deliver fantastic projects that will bring real benefits to residents and businesses by improving the town centre, creating play areas and boosting wellbeing by promoting active travel in Knottingley.”
Cllr Tom Gordon, Knottingley ward councillor, said: “I am incredibly proud of the work that has gone into producing this ambitious Levelling Up Fund bid. I am grateful to both the leader of the Council, Cllr Denise Jeffery, and cabinet member for regeneration, Darren Byford, for working with local Councillors to put forward a proposal which, if successful, would deliver what residents of Knottingley & Ferrybridge want – a leisure centre.”
Government will scrutinise the bid against the characteristics of the area, the strategic fit within the Knottingley Masterplan, value for money, whether they can be delivered by 2025 and whether residents support the proposals.
The result of the bid is expected in the autumn of 2022.
