Portsmouth South’s Stephen Morgan MP is calling on the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt MP, to deliver the investment our city needs to breathe new life into the heart of Portsmouth and boost the local economy.
With decisions on bids for levelling-up round two previously delayed by Government, and a third round of applications now in doubt, Mr Hunt confirmed in the Autumn Statement yesterday that round two would go ahead and bids would be considered by Ministers, including proposals for Portsmouth South.
If successful, submissions developed with the city council and other local partners and agreed by Mr Morgan would revitalise key sites across the city centre, often ignored for investment over the last decade.
Last month the city MP wrote to the new Prime Minister urging him to agree to funding for Portsmouth. This latest intervention follows a string of action the Portsmouth MP has been taking including hosting roundtable discussions with local businesses, meeting with relevant traders, holding meetings with the university and raising the need for fairer funding for his constituency in Parliament and with Ministers directly.
Stephen Morgan MP said:
“I know Portsmouth people will be disappointed that the Chancellor didn’t use yesterday’s Autumn Statement to confirm funding for Portsmouth’s city centre and our Levelling Up proposals, ensuring our city gets the investment from Government our communities need and deserve.
“Despite well-prepared submissions in the past, to date the south of the city has not received a penny from the Chancellor for the so-called levelling up the Government is encouraging.
“As we always see with this Government, Ministers missed an opportunity yesterday to finally commit to funding which would make a real difference to our city and boost our local economy.
“It is high time the Chancellor makes good on his commitment to levelling up and invests in Portsmouth to bring our city centre back to life”.
The Portsmouth South proposals include:
- The creation of a truly world class city centre, transforming the cultural quarter in the heart of the city, to connect communities across Portsmouth and the wider sub-region to a vibrant, cultural economy.
- A transformed Portsmouth Guildhall and New Theatre Royal, which will offer a greater range of facilities and enable new activities and performances for people to enjoy.
- A new Cultural Spine project that will link the main cultural assets in a safe, car free space for people to gather and celebrate their city, connecting the major transport links such as bus routes, park and ride routes and a mainline railway station to ensure visitors can come without the use of a private car, supporting the city’s commitment to net zero.
- Projects within walking distance of some of the poorest communities that offer opportunities to access events in a safe and car free environment, helping to tackle deprivation, health inequalities and job density issues in the region.
Separately the city MP is continuing to work alongside Portsmouth Football Club to unlock funding to secure improved accessibility between the football stadium and Fratton train station.
Any resident or local business can show their support for the city centre proposals by backing the bid. To do so, visit: www.stephenmorgan.org.uk/backthebid/
