Green route and theatre among levelling up winners

Better walking routes will link Gosport town centre and the historic waterfront

Three projects in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have received a boost from the government's levelling up pot.

The Isle of Wight will receive £13.6m for a green link from Ryde to Yarmouth and a 13-mile cycle path from Newport to Freshwater.

Andover is getting £18.3m for a new theatre and cultural hub to replace the Lights, to be built near the Guildhall.

Gosport has won £18.1m for its regeneration, including the renovation of the derelict, grade II listed Rum Store at Royal Clarence Yard.

Gosport Borough Council said the money would be used to create better connections and walking routes between Gosport town centre and the historic waterfront.

Council leader Peter Chegwyn said the scheme would "help to drive the economy of the borough and create a place for local people to be proud of".

The Isle of Wight greenway cyclists and walkers will mainly follow the dismantled railway line and make use of the existing rights of way network.

Island transport councillor Phil Jordan said it would provide "safer and more sustainable transport options which, in turn, will help to improve health, wellbeing and air quality".

Andover's new theatre will be located at the entrance of the Chantry Centre and will feature a theatre auditorium and spaces to host events and creative classes.

Test Valley council leader Phil North said Andover was a place that was "ready to move forward".

"The new venue in the centre of town will become an invaluable asset for the local community," he added.

More than 50 projects have been awarded a total of £1bn in the third round of levelling up funding.

The fund is aimed at tackling regional inequalities by backing projects that boost transport and culture.

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