Stockton unveils regeneration plans for six town centres

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council has revealed plans to regenerate all six of its town centres.

The plans, which go before the cabinet on 18 February, include proposals to take control of Billingham town centre from current owners St Modwen Ltd to ensure it has the best chance of thriving in the future.

The council is also looking to transform Stockton town centre with a new urban park with direct access to the River Tees from the high street.

In addition, the plans include proposals to help regenerate the town centres of Ingleby Barwick, Norton, Thornaby and Yarm.

The works would be funded by money from the council itself, the Tees Valley Combined Authority, as well as the £16.5m from the government’s Future High Streets Fund and its Towns Fund application for Thornaby.

The proposals are a continuation of the changes we’ve been making to repurpose or town centres to become less reliant on retail.

‘In the case of Billingham, it’s clear it is in need of investment and the council are best placed to bring about that transformational change,’ said cabinet member for housing and regeneration, Cllr Nigel Cooke.

‘In Ingleby Barwick, we’re looking to continue the success of IB Leisure to create more accessible and open leisure spaces for people of all ages to enjoy.

‘In Norton, we’ve presented options to improve car parking layouts and traffic flow in the village as a result of the growing evening economy,’ added Cllr Cooke.

‘Stockton’s journey is well underway as we’ve already agreed a number of relocation moves with retailers, but this new imagery shows the realisation of our long-held ambition to open up the town to the river.

‘The work of the Town Deal Board in Thornaby has highlighted key priorities with the help of the government’s Town’s Fund and we’re looking to add to that with Council funding to help realise these interventions.

‘Yarm’s reputation as a destination and market town character must be supported and sustained and we’re working closely with Yarm Town Council and other key stakeholders to provide the investment needed to continue this success story.’

Photo Credit – Pexels (Pixabay)