Wychavon has invested almost £4 million from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), delivering real improvements to local high streets, community spaces and rural businesses.
Key projects, funded through Wychavon’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, include lighting upgrades in Pershore, Droitwich Spa and Evesham parks, shop front improvements, new public benches, street art, feasibility work for the Lido, and the popular Evesham Nutcracker Trail – now shortlisted for a national retail award.
The funding also helped deliver the new benches in Pershore, which are encouraging people to walk further, spend more time outdoors and connect with others, supporting wellbeing and tackling loneliness; and a new play area at Drakes Broughton, next to the village hall, creating a valuable and inclusive space for children and families to play and spend time together.
The work has been led by Wychavon’s Place Boards in Droitwich Spa, Evesham, and Pershore, which are central to the council’s Town Centre Investment Prospectus. These boards bring local voices together to shape regeneration and economic growth.
The funding has also helped deliver meaningful placemaking. Small changes like new benches or lighting help people feel safer, stay out longer, and connect with others – boosting wellbeing and tackling isolation.
Cllr Richard Morris, Leader and Executive Board Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, said: “This funding has allowed us to deliver real, visible improvements that are tailored to the needs of each of our towns and rural communities. The work of our Place Boards has been a vital part of this – helping to support high streets, encourage tourism and bring people together. These projects directly support the priorities set out in our Town Centre Investment Prospectus and are building momentum for long-term regeneration.”
Through the Wychavon Rural Fund, improvements have also been made to visitor attractions, village halls, sports facilities, and local businesses – including renewable energy investment at Fidben Farm and support for companies like Morris Commercial, Eat Your Crusts, and Webb Automation.
Cllr Emma Stokes, Executive Board Member for Resources, Investment and Innovation, said: “This funding has been transformative for our rural communities. We’ve not only supported local enterprise, but we’ve also backed vital community facilities and made lasting improvements that will serve residents for years to come.”
Although future funding is smaller at £1.2 million, Wychavon will continue to invest in skills, business support, community projects, and further town centre improvements.
Planned projects include £270,000 for business support, £185,000 to address skills gaps and expand training and apprenticeship opportunities, and £150,000 for initiatives that build stronger communities. A further £150,000 will be directed towards projects that break down barriers for young people trying to access employment or education.
The Place Boards will receive a further £120,000 to continue their work revitalising town centres, building on the success of the Investment Prospectus. An additional £140,000 will back festivals, tourism, marketing, and events – drawing more visitors to the district and supporting its unique identity.
“We’re committed to ensuring every pound delivers value for residents, and we’ll use this new allocation to build on the excellent progress we’ve made,” added Cllr Morris.
Pictured: Wychavon Executive Board at Drakes Broughton Play area by the village hall (L-R Cllr Richard Morris, Cllr Dan Birch, Cllr Rob Adams, Cllr Emma Stokes, Cllr Beverley Hardman, and Cllr Paul Middlebrough.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK, investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. Find out more about the UK Shared Prosperity Fund on the Government's website.
- For more information and to read the UKSPF Final Delivery Report
- View the Wychavon Town Centre Investment Prospectus
- Find out more about the Wychavon Rural Fund