New jobs and major funding on horizon for County Durham town

The regeneration of a County Durham town is to see a new store open its doors soon.

Home Bargains, on Clifford Road in Stanley, will open in July 2018 and has recently started its recruitment process.

The shop is said to provide employment opportunities and is just one of various ongoing developments in the town, with construction of a new Aldi store underway as well as a McDonald’s also being announced for the retail park.

The developments are the latest to come forward following the creation of a town centre masterplan, which set out how Durham County Council and key partners would look to improve the fortunes of Stanley.

Cllr Carl Marshall, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “We are delighted that these businesses have decided to invest in Stanley, improving the town’s retail offer, providing an economic boost and creating job opportunities for local people.

“We have also worked hard to ensure existing retailers get the help and support they need to thrive and we will continue to build on these important relationships as part of our ongoing commitment to town centre regeneration.”

As well as work to encourage new investors, existing businesses have also received support through the council’s Targeted Business Improvement scheme, which provides funding to help them expand or improve their premises as well as providing specialist retail advice and access to training.

In the past three years, eight businesses in the town have received this support which has led to four vacant premises being brought back into use and the creation of five new jobs.

The next property hoping to benefit from this support is the former Bertie’s Bar on Front Street, which has stood empty since a fire caused significant damage.

Stanley is also set to benefit from an enhanced digital presence and now has a town centre website, hosted by the AAP and focused on promoting businesses and events across the town. 

Businesses have also been able to access free digital marketing training and the next steps of the project will see Stanley, alongside Bishop Auckland, host an initiative that will offer free public WiFi across the town centre.