£20m bid to 'take back control of the centre' of Billingham

Billingham, Yarm and Stockton’s Preston Park are subject of two applications by Stockton Borough Council for a combined £40m from the new Levelling Up fund.

The council says: “Proposals include addressing the physical condition of Billingham town centre in support the Council’s ambition to take back control of the centre. “Redevelopment would solve the challenges of changing retail trends that are contributing towards excess retail space and high vacancy rates.

“This includes exploring options for mixed-use redevelopment and high-quality public spaces that improve accessibility within the town centre and a modern retail offering.”

Councillor Nigel Cooke, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration and housing, added: “We already have exciting plans for our town centres and there is clear alignment with these existing ambitions and the opportunity for Levelling Up funding.

“We’re seizing this opportunity and a great deal of work has gone into this to ensure that we meet the criteria and stand a great chance of being successful in securing investment into our communities that could be transformed by a £40million bid.

“It still remains our ambition to purchase, take back control of Billingham town centre and repurpose the town centre through a number of physical interventions.”

A decision on whether the bids get through round one is expected in the autumn.

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