North East towns secure £300k for high street transformation plans

Two towns in the North East have secured funding from the government to transform their high streets.

Both Darlington and Stockton-on-Tees will each benefit from up to £150k from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Future High Streets Fund.

The funding will be used to support the towns’ Local Authorities in the development of plans to renew and reshape their high streets and town centres, with the authorities now invited to submit full business cases to secure further capital funding for their projects.

Commenting on the news, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “I’ve been championing these bids from Darlington and Stockton and I’m delighted that the government has chosen to award this funding, from what was a very competitive and oversubscribed process.

“This great news, announced by Local Growth Minister Jake Berry MP, shows a real commitment to our centres at a time when they need it most.”

Plans for Darlington’s town centre include the construction of an enclosed glazed winter garden on the eastern side of its central Victorian Indoor Market hall, with new food and drink units to be developed within it.

Cllr Heather Scott, leader of Darlington Borough Council, added: “I’m incredibly happy that we were successful in our bid and Government sees potential in our plans.

“Our market is a well-loved landmark and a key part of the fabric of our town. We’ve got to do everything we can to set Darlington apart to attract people from all over Tees Valley and further afield. Our winter garden will give us a fantastic family space which will do just that.”