PLANS to spend £1million to transform the town during the Rugby World Cup have been given the go-ahead.
Council bosses agreed plans to give the town ‘proud host’ status during the tournament, which kicks off in England in September.
The cash injection will see the creation of a village at the Old Market site, which will host a fanzone and feature events and activities throughout the tournament.
Rugby Borough Council’s cabinet gave the go-ahead to the plans at a meeting yesterday (Monday).
Coun Heather Timms, Rugby Borough Council culture chief, said the tournament represented a once in a generation chance to present the town before a ‘global audience’.
“By underwriting this £1million investment we will make sure that visitors, residents and businesses will have the best possible opportunity to celebrate the Rugby World Cup.
“Most importantly, however, it will make sure that we will continue to feel the benefits long after the tournament has ended.”
The funding will also see town centre improvements that will benefit residents and businesses after the tournament ends, including a revamp of street furniture and signage, new coach parking facilities, refurbished toilets, and improvements to the John Barford and Westway car parks.
The town’s Pathway of Fame could also get a facelift before the tournament starts.
And the funding will also cover an educational programme for schools and provide training for volunteers, while other schemes include a planting scheme and arts commissions.
The council said the plans will be funded through a mixture of developer contributions, borough council budget, reserves, sponsorship and other third party funding, including income from events and activities.
