Enterprise M3, a business-led Local Enterprise Partnership which is working to secure economic growth at sub-national level, has approved almost £10m of funding for the improvement of two of Basingstoke’s key gateways.
The A340 and A33 will both be improved using funds from the government growth deal, the scheme will also support the creation of jobs in the borough.
£6.56 million has been allocated to improvements to the A33 on the north eastern corridor into the town, linking Basingstoke to the M4 and Reading, with a view to attracting more businesses to locate in the area. Peak hour delays will be reduced, supporting both job retention and creation in local businesses, especially those in Chineham Park.
A further £3.34 million has been committed to Basingstoke’s northern corridor, to improve two junctions on the A340. The scheme will aim to reduce congestion and improve safety at the Lodge junction, in addition to supporting traffic management measures through the Rooksdown area reducing rat-running and improving pedestrian and cycle routes between homes in the area, the nearby hospital and businesses.
Commenting on the plans Cllr Clive Sanders said: “We are always looking for opportunities to attract funding to improve the infrastructure in our borough to attract businesses to bring more jobs here and improve the lives of our residents.
“So far we have been successful to the tune of £23 million in gaining government funding for major road improvements thanks to Enterprise M3. This is recognition that we are seen by the regional enterprise partnership as one of its key economic centres. It will unlock the true potential of our excellent business location, with faster transport links to London, the Thames Valley and the South Coast ports.”
Geoff French, Chair of Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership, commented: “Basingstoke has been identified in our Strategic Economic Plan as a growth town, one of the drivers of economic growth in our area. Economic prosperity in our area is not possible without an effective and reliable transport network. That is why we have placed transport, and the need for significant improvements to it, at the heart of our economic strategy for the area.”
