Here’s an update from Kate Smart, Town Centre Manager Kings Heath:

Kings Heath Centre Partnership is submitting a bid for our High Street to become one of 12 ‘Portas Pilots’ around the UK.

Winning bidders will receive up to £100k to be spent on specific initiatives that test the recommendations laid out in the Portas Review, which aim to improve small town centres and high streets, making them more financially viable, nicer places to visit and shop and build the local community.

A written proposal will be submitted, along with this video, outlining a plan to reduce void properties, create new opportunities for small businesses and make Kings Heath a greener, more sustainable place to live, work and shop. This proposal is supported by many businesses and organisations in Kings Heath and has already attracted significant match funding.

Kings Heath Centre Partnership, through its various partnerships and the work of the Business Improvement District (BID) has already made many improvements to the area. Becoming a Portas Pilot town would enable Kings Heath to speed up the pace of existing projects and implement new activities.

‘We’re Half Way There’ and your support for the proposal and the High Street is always very much appreciated.