Confirmation has been given that Grantham is to receive a multi-million pound boost to help the town centre.

Coun Kelham Cooke, the leader of South Kesteven District Council, has just tweeted: "Fantastic news today, we have received confirmation from

@RobertJenrick that #Grantham has been awarded £5.56m from @mhclg #FutureHighStreetFund. " The allocation of £5.56 million from the Government's Future High Streets Fund was confirmed on Wednesday (19 May) and will pave the way for an ambitious programme of regeneration. The money was secured following a successful bid by South Kesteven District Council in partnership with its economic growth and regeneration company, InvestSK. The Leader of SKDC, and Chairman of InvestSK, Cllr Kelham Cooke, said: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The funding will help reinvigorate Grantham town centre and make it an even better place for people to live, work and visit. "Traditional high streets are changing across the country, but we aim to ensure the town centre remains a focal point for residents and visitors for generations to come." Detailed plans for key projects to revive Grantham's high street and town centre are now being finalised. As part of the bid process Grantham's residents, businesses and strategic stakeholders highlighted a number of issues including the desire for a more pedestrian-friendly environment; reduced town centre congestion; an improved family-friendly evening economy; and more opportunities for new and existing businesses. There will be a particular focus on transforming the access gateway from the railway station into the town, converting empty retail units into new homes and workplaces, and investment in other vital infrastructure and public areas, particularly in the Market Place. A Programme Manager, Project Officer and Town Centre Manager will be appointed to deliver the three-year Future High Streets programme and drive forward the next phase in Grantham's regeneration. The money was first announced around Christmas, as previously reported by Nub News. However, SKDC had to scale down its proposals after a bid for more money was rejected, before central government would confirm the £5.6M payout, as previously reported by Nub News. This afternoon's announcement represent a second boost for Grantham today, after it was announced this morning the town has received further money towards heritage projects, as reported earlier today.