PLANS to turn a town centre into a multipurpose events space with a solar powered bench that can charge mobile phones have been revealed.

Durham County Council is enhancing Consett town centre, drawing on its distinct character to create a ‘vibrant shopping destination’ with ‘thriving independent retailers’.

Following projects in Victoria Road, Wesley Street and Front Street, the local authority is now focusing on Middle Street where £1 million-worth of improvements are planned.

In Middle Street, the creation of a new outdoor events space will allow the community to host festivals, street art performances and markets.

The idea is to provide something different to the national chain stores on offer at the nearby Hermiston Retail Park.

The council’s commitment to tackling climate change is also reflected, with existing streetlamps to be replaced with energy efficient LED lighting. One of the country’s first ‘Solar Benches’ has also been commissioned, which will be constructed using recycled plastic and feature solar powered phone and device chargers.

Work has already been undertaken by the council’s Community Economic Development team to reduce the number of empty shops in the street and the next phase of improvements is due to start by early summer. To accommodate this, a large planter has been removed from the street.

Councillor Carl Marshall, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “The retail and hospitality sector has been hit incredibly hard by the coronavirus pandemic and we are working hard to support our high streets to recover and prosper in the years ahead.

“The enhancements we have planned in Middle Street are part of our ongoing commitment to regenerating Consett and are also very much in line with the ethos of our Towns and Villages strategy. By improving the built environment and attracting more businesses to Middle Street, we can enhance the area’s reputation as a local shopping destination, helping existing retailers to thrive and creating and safeguarding jobs. At the same time, we can ensure it remains a place residents are proud of, while also addressing the climate change issues that mean so much to the council and our communities.”