A £24m boost for a Norfolk town will transform one of the main routes into the town and provide vital protection for a 15th-century gatehouse, say council leaders.
King's Lynn and Great Yarmouth were the two areas of Norfolk awarded a share of £2bn from the government's Levelling Up Fund.
The King's Lynn scheme money, awarded to Norfolk County Council, is for the town's Sustainable Transport and Regeneration Scheme, also known as the King's Lynn STARS project.
That scheme is part of a master plan for major changes to the Southgates area of the town, which the public was recently consulted on.
It includes the creation of a new system of junctions in place of the existing roundabout, with a new road snaking around the historic South Gate to allow vehicles continued access to the town centre. The area under the gate will be pedestrianised.
Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: "This is great news for the west of the county and the success of this bid is a testament to the strong partnership working between the borough and county councils.
"Funding will enable us to deliver the transport aspects of the borough council’s transformational masterplan for the Southgates area, as well as active travel measures in the town centre.
"Working in partnership with the borough council, the scheme will facilitate a bold transformational masterplan to regenerate the area around the historic 15th century Southgate.
"The route under the gate will be used for modes of active travel - such as cycling and walking - rather than for general traffic. The scheme will also help improve road safety and air quality.
"All of these measures lie on the key corridor into the town from the West Winch strategic growth area."
Stuart Dark, West Norfolk Council leader, said: "The findings of our consultation on the Southgates masterplan showed that 77% of the public agreed with the vision set out for the area.
"The heritage asset of the South Gate can reach its full potential and be protected, while the scheme will improve access and economic growth in the town.
North West Norfolk MP James Wild, who had supported the bid, said it would deliver major improvements to Southgates and the town.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here