Funding Boost For New Road
A key transport scheme in Ashford has received a significant
boost this week following the announcement it has been successful
in a £16.5m Government funding bid.
Victoria Way, a
proposed new route linking the International Station and Brookfield
Road by Matalan, is one of 29 projects across the country to
benefit from the £170m Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF).
CIF is a joint Communities and Local Government and Department
for Transport fund for transport schemes that support housing
growth.
Judith Armitt, Managing Director of Ashford’s Future, said: “The
new Victoria Way will play a key part in the transformation of the
town centre by allowing it to grow and thrive. We are delighted the
Government has recognised the importance of the project by matching
our funding request, which represents the second highest award in
this funding round.
“We believe the whole area will benefit as it will provide a new
route to access the town centre and station and will open up the
whole area for future development including new shops, restaurants
and cafes and homes.”
Housing Minister Margaret Beckett said: "This funding will help
to deliver new homes that we desperately need to meet long term
demand from first time buyers and families on waiting lists. We
know that good transport links are vital to successful communities
and these projects will unlock the potential for new housing where
it is needed.
“By investing today in tomorrow's infrastructure we are helping
to ensure the foundations are in place to support economic
recovery, while also creating and safeguarding jobs right now."
Transport Minister Paul Clark said: "I am delighted by the
quality and range of schemes that we are funding. Around 60 per
cent of the schemes that we are supporting include sustainable
transport initiatives - reflecting a real commitment to supporting
housing growth through sustainable means.
"Transport is essential to supporting housing growth and the
Community Infrastructure Fund is real evidence of the significant
focus that Government places on this critical policy."
0097/09
09/04/2009