A £20 million programme to regenerate a County Durham town centre will proceed after Government approval in the Budget.
The Spennymoor scheme as part of the Long-term Plan for Towns will continue after it was backed by the current Labour administration earlier this week.
Earlier this year, residents said supporting independent businesses, regenerating the town centre and improving safety were among the top priorities for the town.
Anti-social behaviour was highlighted throughout the engagement process as one of Spennymoor’s most significant challenges, particularly in the town centre. Residents suggested a stronger police presence, more CCTV around the town, and engagement with youth clubs would help tackle the issue.
A Spennymoor Town Board was set up by Durham County Council to oversee the investment. Funding will be used to revive the high street, tackle anti-social behaviour, improve transport, and grow the economy.
However, local authorities and stakeholders faced a nervous wait to see what the new Labour government would do with the programme.
Revised guidance confirming timelines and a new set of strategic objectives for the programme aligned with the Government’s priorities will be published shortly. Further community engagement will take place over the coming months, with the delivery of projects within the programme expected to begin in 2026.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We are so pleased that the work we’ve done to establish a vision for the town and identify the key improvements has been recognised in the Budget and can be built upon.
“Residents and businesses have worked very closely with us to set out their priorities for the town and it is fantastic to know that this work can continue for the benefit of all those who live and work in Spennymoor.
“We look forward to finding out more details to allow us to plan our next steps and how we can press ahead with our exciting plans for the town.”
Around £7 million has already been invested in improving the town centre including the redevelopment of the former Festival Walk shopping centre site and the town’s leisure centre.
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Alan Boddy, chair of the All Together for Spennymoor Board, said: “We are delighted that the work undertaken across Spennymoor will be taken forward and that there will be access to funds to deliver improvements as part of a new regeneration programme.
“Our work with the community has already received great feedback and despite the pause in submitting our plans, we have continued to further involve residents, local businesses and partners in our work to make sure that their views are at the heart of our investment plan.
“We are determined to work together to make a positive difference to Spennymoor, ensuring it is a thriving, well-connected town with a range of activities on offer for all those who live and work here.”
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