Residents hope plans for a new bespoke market will help revive a struggling County Durham town centre. 

Concerns have been raised that Chester-le-Street is becoming beset by empty shops, pubs and other key facilities following several closures and the withdrawal of high-profile chain stores in recent years. 

A Durham County Council decision to scrap free parking after 2pm for all visitors has also heightened fears over the future viability of the high street.

But the town centre has now received a boost thanks to a £33,000 investment from the government to trial a new specialist market. Social enterprise company Baccanalia has been contracted by the county council to deliver the project and will consult the community and other stakeholders over the plans. 

The Northern Echo: Concerns have been raised that Chester-le-Street is becoming beset by empty shops, pubs and other key facilities Concerns have been raised that Chester-le-Street is becoming beset by empty shops, pubs and other key facilities (Image: The Northern Echo)

It is hoped the new market will be delivered by March 2025. 

The new investment comes from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund's Town Centre Vitality Funding.

A group of Independent councillors who represent parts of the town - councillors Paul Sexton, Bill Moist and Karen Fantarrow - said they welcome any funding and initiatives designed to improve the high street offering. 

They added: “Although, without more detail, it’s difficult to gauge what impact this proposal may have on the town centre, which has been overlooked by the council, and starved of investment, for many years.

“Ideally, we require a full economic strategy to deliver anything significant, and with longevity for our town. We will keep pushing for this investment and would like to thank residents for their continued support.”

Yet, they criticised the current Joint Administration in charge of the local authority - made up of Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and Independents - for underinvestment in the struggling north Durham town “which has been overlooked and starved of investment for many years,” the councillors added. 

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Labour councillors who cover Chester-le-Street also criticised the current administration for voting to end free parking after 2pm and a revised investment programme for the Chester-le-Street leisure centre. 

But the council says the market is a step in the right direction to revive the high street. 

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, cabinet member for economy, said: “Society has changed a great deal in recent decades and it’s vital to explore a variety of ways to make high streets thrive again.

"Given the history of Chester-le-Street’s market, this can really resonate with traders, residents and visitors, and is a great opportunity for everyone to work together and ensure that the trial is a success.”