The government is planning to launch a £10m Co‑operative Development Programme for England, as part of a raft of plans to revive struggling high streets.
The programme, which will help mayors and strategic authorities set up more co-ops, is part of a £210m package to transform derelict high street buildings “into shared workspaces, cafes and community hubs, to bring people back into town centres”.
Rose Marley, CEO of Co‑operatives UK, said: “This is a game changer. It is a clear commitment to the investment needed for significant co-operative development. This funding shows a government that understands how giving power and agency to communities brings positive change and improves lives, with community, business and local government all working together.”
Full details of the programme have not yet been confirmed, though government has confirmed funds will go to strategic authorities across England to support the development of new co-operative businesses.
“We are ready to work with our partners, government and strategic authorities to make sure this money empowers a new wave of co-operatives, so they can generate the good growth our country needs,” added Marley.
The package comes alongside a new £125m Derelict Buildings Fund, through which ministers help pledge to help local authorities rescue “vacant shopping centres, disused cinemas and abandoned local eyesores”.
Another £65m will be invested in helping communities across England to rescue and revamp threatened assets such as pubs, sports clubs, says the government, building on existing schemes like Pride in Place.
“People don’t measure growth by looking at a spreadsheet,” said prime minister Andy Burnham. “They measure it by looking at their local high street. Are shops opening or are the shutters down? Does the place feel like it’s moving forward or being left behind?
“The truth is that too many high streets have been left to hollow out, leaving town centres a shell of what they once were. That must change, and today’s funding will help put power back into the hands of locals who know their area best.”
A full high streets strategy to transform town centres across England is promised later this year, the government adds.
The £210m package is from funding already earmarked for high street support and regeneration.
