MILLIONS of pounds in funding could be headed to Maldon through a government scheme.
Maldon District Council could receive up to £5 million of 'levelling up' cash, giving the authority a chance to revitalise the town’s economy.
The £48billion government scheme is aimed at helping regions and businesses across the UK thrive.
A new document lists locations across the UK which are eligible to bid for funding on cultural projects, including Maldon.
The council will pull together a proposal highlighting how it could spend the £5million on culture-related projects in the area, in a bid to secure the money.
MP Sir John Whittingdale said: “Essentially the district council is invited to submit a plan on how they could use the money on cultural projects in the area.
“It requires the council to speak with stakeholders, myself and others.
“It is for the council and local MPs to agree a plan to submit to the Government, and if approved, then up to £5million could be received.
“This is clearly good news for the district. I will want to discuss in further detail with the council where we can best make use of this funding.
“With the Maldon district I’ve always seen huge tourism potential and improving the cultural offering will play a big part in that, and it would be a great benefit to local people.
“I think it is too soon to see where the funding will be used. We have a wealth of maritime heritage, I would be keen to make sure it’s not just Maldon town that sees the benefit.”
The news follows the district benefitting from other sources of funding last year.
In December, it was confirmed the district will be awarded £181,123 from the Safer Streets projects put forward by its Community Safety Partnership.
A skate park project in Maldon's Promenade Park will receive £132,250 for different safety initiatives.
Maldon Council's Leader, Councillor Richard Siddall, is delighted about the funding opportunity.
He said: “This exciting and significant allocation aims to address some of the needs identified within the district as a priority one levelling up area.
"We look forward to receiving further information and guidance from Government on the process shortly.”
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