A COUNCIL has signed an agreement to purchase a High Street premises.
As part of plans to transform and regenerate Redcar, Redcar and Cleveland Council have signed an agreement with Goodwins to purchase their High Street premises.
This is is part of the wider Redcar Town Deal Scheme, with the council buying the freehold for the former Marks and Spencer’s building, and provides the opportunity to create a focal point for the town and a link from the High Street to the Esplanade, where events can take place and pop-up food, drink and retail operators can trade.
Goodwins will retain a presence in the town following the purchase of the B&M building on the High Street at auction.
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Mark Johnson, Operations and Compliance Manager for Goodwins said: “We are delighted to confirm that we are in a position to support the exciting plans to rejuvenate parts of Redcar town centre and the Esplanade area.
“Whilst we have always been in support of efforts to improve the town for all residents, workers, shoppers and visitors alike it remains that our paramount objective is to protect the livelihoods of our team members and to serve our customers. To this end we are now able to confirm that we have managed to secure alternative premises for Goodwins to move into so that we can continue to provide great value and customer service to thousands of people each week.
“The move will facilitate the council being able to take ownership of our current building to improve and develop the High Street and the Esplanade and bring both areas together. It is anticipated that the fantastic changes being made will serve to greatly rejuvenate the area bringing new visitors, new prosperity and new jobs not only during the work but leaving a legacy of improvement afterwards.”
Leader of the council, Cllr Mary Lanigan, said: “The agreed purchase of the Goodwins building is a positive step forward in our ambitions to deliver a series of projects in Redcar to create a vibrant High Street and Esplanade.
“Working in partnership with the Redcar Town Deal Board we have the opportunity to deliver a number of projects to take advantage of the tourism and economic opportunities that will present themselves in the future.
“These plans will not only benefit Redcar but the wider region and I would like to thank everyone for their hard work getting it this far.”
Redcar was awarded £25 million in June this year as part of the Government’s Town Deal programme. In partnership with the Redcar Town Deal Board the council is pulling together detailed plans for a number of projects, including the scheme to link the High Street to the seafront.
The other projects include improving how the High Street looks and functions, introducing new landscaping, street furniture, lighting and signage – as well as more greenery to improve the area.
A coastal activity hub at Coatham, providing the infrastructure to support outdoor activities, water sports and related events.
A new family activity centre and cultural hub, creating a new anchor attraction for visitors and residents.
Improvements to Station Road to maximise the impact of major investment at Redcar Central Station and the Regent Cinema.
A Clean Energy Education Hub at Redcar & Cleveland College, is another key plan, which will provide a training and skills facility tailored to the needs of the local economy.
The board also aims to improve transport connections to Teesworks, which is set to become the UK’s biggest industrial zone, to ensure residents can access job opportunities.
These plans would build on the major new leisure project in the Coatham area which was announced last year. This includes a new hotel, adventure golf site and play area. The Government previously awarded Redcar £750,000 for the project, which was used to demolish the old RKade building and prepare the site so the hotel can start development.
Further engagement will take place over the coming months, with residents and businesses, to help shape the detail of all of the Town Deal projects.
Jacob Young, Conservative MP for Redcar and Town Deal Board member, said: "I’m proud to be part of the Town Deal Board which is driving forward these important changes for our high street in Redcar, using £25million of government funding.
"For years people said, ‘Redcar died when we lost M&S’ then it was ‘Redcar died when we lost Woolies’.
"Well, finally we have taken ownership of these two huge parts of Redcar High Street and now can begin the true regeneration of the town centre.
"Demolishing these two buildings allows us to draw a line in the sand and mark the beginning of our high street’s next chapter. Bringing these redundant buildings down is going to help us level up! It’s great to see."
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