Stockport and Trafford have been awarded millions in government funding to help transform their high streets.
The aim of the cash, from the Future High Streets Fund, is to support areas as they recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and 'help transform underused town centres into vibrant places to live, work, visit and shop'.
Stockport and Trafford are to receive the full amounts they bid for, £14.5m and £17.6m respectively.
The government says the towns were awarded the sums they wanted in recognition of their 'forward-thinking and innovative proposals'.
Stockport will spend the money redeveloping Mersey Square and bringing vacant retail units back into use as community and leisure facilities.
While in Stretford, the cash will be spent on creating a new expanded high street, with enhanced landscaping and better transport links, with the aim of providing a 'focal point' for the community to enjoy.
Read more of today's stories here
The towns are among 72 across the country awarded a share of £830m.
Several other areas of Greater Manchester have also received provisional offers of funding.
Wigan could potentially be in line to receive £16,633,691, Rochdale £17,080,458, Farnworth £13,306817 and Oldham £10,750,237.
The government says it will be working with them to finalise their proposals.
Previous announcements from the Future High Streets Fund have run into controversy, with accusations that money was being targeted for political reasons.
After the first 100 ‘left behind towns’ were announced to get a share of a £3.6bn last year, M.E.N analysis showed that a wealth of towns in marginal Labour seats in Leave-leaning areas, as well as traditional bellweather constituencies and Conservative marginals, were getting money - including the Stockport suburb of Cheadle.
Minister for High Streets Kelly Tolhurst said: "Towns across the North West have a proud history of industry and commerce, and we are supporting them to preserve this heritage for future generations.
"In Stockport, £14.5 million will support plans to redevelop Mersey Square and repurpose empty retail units, supporting local businesses and jobs. And in Stretford, £17.6 million will help revitalise the high street with landscaping and an improved retail offer.
"The year ahead will be a big one for high streets in the North West, with government investing across the region to help create vibrant places that communities are proud of, supporting recovery from the pandemic and delivering on our Plan for Jobs."
.png?w=600)
