Transforming communities in County Durham

We are regenerating the county's towns and villages, improving the areas where people live, work and visit. We will speed up this work through our Towns and Villages programme.

The Towns and Villages programme offers and integrated approach to local regeneration and has a county wide investment programme of more than £750 million. We have been able to make this investment by looking at how we spend our money, and by working with our partners. By identifying what is already being invested, we can better align projects, realign budgets to priorities and identify gaps or areas where more support will add value.

Towns and Villages provides opportunities to support our businesses and retailers, revamp our town centres to make them more resilient to changing economic conditions, develop strategic employment opportunities to create more and better jobs, improve access to walking and cycling routes, and tackle housing issues that currently exist, including empty properties and pockets of low demand across the county. County Durham is primarily a rural county. Our rural areas vary widely in character from remote and sparsely populated areas in the Pennine Dales, to the larger villages located within the former coalfield communities. The specific needs of our rural communities are widespread, meaning that issues including rural isolation and community resilience, specific employment and housing needs as well as transport and connectivity are tackled as part of our approach.

The regeneration projects are grouped into 5 themes:

Themes

Strategic investments

The aim of this theme is to create more/better jobs through support for town and neighbourhood centres.

Digital high street

Monitoring town centre usage and free wi-fi.

We are monitoring usage in 12 town centres including Durham City, which allows us to work out how our town centres are being used and where regeneration efforts can be focused.

We have also provided free wi-fi in Stanley, Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street, Barnard Castle, and Seaham town centres.

Retail hubs

Providing support to retailers, aimed at growing, supporting and making retail and hospitality businesses more resilient.

We offer free Training opportunities for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in areas such as food safety, marketing, and first aid.

We also allow vacant buildings to be used for temporary retail, hospitality, and leisure ventures in-between tenants. This not only reduces the number of empty shops but allows businesses to test trade by taking on short-term leases. The scheme also encourages the development of shared retail spaces, and offers funding to help cover rents, business rates and utility charges.

We have had successful projects in Bishop Auckland, Durham City and Peterlee.

Neighbourhood retail improvements

Supporting retailers make physical improvements to their shops, and providing shop front improvement grants.

We can offer a range of Retail support. Projects supported:

Swipe to see full table

Project	Location	Work done
The Village Fryer	Howden-le-Wear	replacement shop front (windows and door) corbels and pilasters traditional brass lamps for signage
Total Home Improvements	Pelton Fell	replacement render installation of white UPVC windows to ground and first floor
Cutting Loose	Ferryhill	replacement shop front (windows and door) new signage new uplighting new windows to upper floor
The Bridge Inn	Whorlton	refurbishment of front and side windows replacement of heritage glazing new cast iron rainwater goods repainting of the sign
Easington Colliery Band	Easington Colliery	replacement windows new roller shutters repairs to existing rendering repainting of exterior new signage.
The Well Community Café	West Auckland	new glazing to existing window frames repainting of exterior woodwork new signage
Walton & Sutherland	Ushaw Moor	new downlighting to interior installation of click-lock vinyl flooring erection of stud wall funding towards marketing programme
Bespoke Café	Sacriston	replacement of 5 windows removal of redundant air conditioning unit replacement door contribution towards premises license fees
Lanchester Property Developments	Lanchester	installation of 6 aluminium shop fronts to retail parade (windows, doors, and signage backboard). WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
The Day Centre	Spennymoor	installation of new UPVC windows cladding below windows.
Natalie Bowes Hairdressing	Fishburn	new signage
J&M Catering	Ferryhill	removal of old shop front and installation of 4 new shop fronts new rainwater goods fascia replacement of upper floor windows brickwork repairs
North Beach Coffee Bar	Seaham	new aluminium windows to full façade slate patio aluminium balustrade to external seating area building sanded and stained internal flooring toilet refurburbishment
DeMarco's Hair & Beauty	Ferryhill	contribution towards internal electrical works plastering to the walls and ceilings replacement shop front and upper floor windows new signage
Caitlin's Sweet Treats & Cakes	Willington	new shop front (windows and door) new signage
Kingsman Construction	Stanley	existing windows and door removed and replaced with new ones landscaping work and external redecoration
SPAR	Staindrop	repair of existing windows and sills replacement rainwater goods repair works to existing render blocking up of old redundant doorway painting of building and windows
Pears Boutique	Langley Moor	new shop front (windows and door) in anthracite grey new door new powder-coated perforated roller shutters new signage contribution towards plumbing work and internal reconfiguration
Sacriston Cricket Club	Sacriston	new floors to front elevation and cellar rendering to front elevation new lighting to frontage replacement signage
Santino's Pizza	Sacriston	replacement shop front new signage installation of 2 new fire doors new powder-coated perforated roller shutters painting to front elevation
Head to Toe Aesthetics	Blackhill	replacement shop front in heritage-style and associated work creation of level entry new signage and window vinyl redecoration of upper floor frontage new upper floor windows rainwater goods
Care & Share	Sacriston	installation of new UPVC shop front (windows and door) new upper floor window full repaint to upper floor of the front elevation
3 Sunderland Road	Horden	removal of 3 shop fronts and replaced with new installation of 3 new sets of roller shutters external decoration to each unit
Waxology	Framwellgate Moor	powder coating of existing aluminium shop front new window vinyl, decals and signage brickwork repairs from removal of awning
Fresh Faced Aesthetics	Spennymoor	new powder-coated, perforated roller shutters to front and side elevations new signage to both elevation privacy vinyl to windows brickwork repairs redecoration of ground floor and upper floor windows and door
The Coffee Shop	Murton	installation of electrically operated roller shutters illuminated signage
Crook Pharmacy	Crook	installation of traditional-style hardwood shop front replacement signage new perforated roller shutters
Beauty As You Wish	Consett	rendering to the side and rear elevations replacement shop front (windows and door)
Great North Eats	Willington	reinstatement of gas connection to property various electrical work
Now Lets Travel	Peterlee	internal reconfiguration works alteration of bureau de change internal decoration and flooring rewiring works new illuminated signage window decals
Hollathans	Chester-le-Street	remove old windows to ground and upper floor and replaced with UPVC alternative
Direct Car Parts	Framwellgate Moor	installation of new hardwood door and timber side panels replacement render to front elevation redecoration of front elevation windows
Hellen's Retail (Festival Walk)	Spennymoor	aluminium shop fronts (windows and doors) to 9-25 Festival Walk installation of ribbon windows to the rear of building and new upper floor windows
Viva Restaurants	Crook	replacement timber windows to both front and rear elevation upper floors repointing of front and side elevations using lime mortar repainting to the existing lower floor frontage windows and door
Hillside Saddlery	Consett	replacement shop fronts in white UPVC to both shop units
L&D Barbers	Wolsingham	repairs to shop frontage stallrisers and windows redecoration to the shop frontage redecoration to entrance to the upper floor residential unit
Belle Boutique	Spennymoor	replacement rendering to front and rear elevations electrical rewiring and internal reconfiguration works installation of new roller shutters replacement glazing to shop and replacement upper floor windows
Durham City Market	Durham	funding to purchase 30 Towns and Villages branded gazebos for outdoor market use
Bargain Buys	Newton Aycliffe	installation of 4 new UPVC shop front windows and one UPVC entrance door in anthracite grey installation of double fire escape doors to rear new fascia board for new signage installation of new electric roller shutters
Sacriston Post Office	Sacriston	replacement shop front new signage replacement rendering work
Adore	Coxhoe	replacement of existing render installation of new windows
The Ginger Dog	Coxhoe	new entrance door replacement windows to front elevation and associated brickwork improvements new render to front elevation
The Bakers Loaf	Stanhope	installation of two new replacement awnings to units
Faru	Durham	painting and decorating to exterior of premises contribution towards external joinery works, bathroom tiling, internal reconfiguration, and internal doors
Golden Fry	Tow Law	replacement shop front (windows and door) including works to stallriser new signage and hanging sign replacement window to side elevation
Mint Business Club	Consett	installation of 15 new windows to ground and upper floor and new door to side elevation removal of existing signage repair of damaged render repainting of all elevations replacement fascia boards and rainwater goods
Simpson's Shoe Repairs	Shildon	replacement of existing timber shop front with new aluminium alternative replacement roller shutters
Kitts Pool Room	Durham	repairs to ceiling cellar walls erected and sealed stud walling works installation of toilets electrical works plumbing works installation of fire alarm system levelling of all floors
Coxhoe Foot Clinic	Coxhoe	replacement shop window and door new electric supply and meter
First Impressions	Wingate	installation of new shop front (window and door) new electrically operated roller shutter rendering to shop frontage new fascia and columns new sign board
SMGT Lettings	Wingate	new windows and doors powder coated and perforated electric roller shutter rendering to shop frontage new fascia and columns new sign board
The Surtees Arms	Ferryhill	repair to damaged areas of rendering repainting to the front and side elevations
Mapps Insurance	Crook	full renewal of woodwork repainting of the front elevation restoration of signage
M&R Commercial	Stanley	replacement of 2 timber shop fronts and replace with anthracite grey aluminium alternative and anthracite cladding to both units
Honest Lawyers Hotel	Croxdale	rendering repairs redecoration of the frontage of the existing main building
Sylvester Properties	Consett	replace existing shop front with new aluminium alternative new illuminated signage replacement of existing roller shutters contribution towards central heating and kitchen installation
The Manor	Bishop Auckland	replacement hardwood windows to front and side elevation new doors to front and side elevation
Clemitsons Pharmacy	Crook	replacement first floor aluminium windows with UPVC
Skidmore Properties	Consett	removal of existing render and reapplication new windows and door new signage
Moon	Durham	repairs to shop frontage, internal and external decoration
Butler & Gee Accountants	Shotley Bridge	removal of wall and resurfacing of rear yard repointing of gable end wall repainting and repointing of the stone gable end and first floor front elevation renew lead at first floor junction contribution towards internal works, replacement door and replacement windows
Lotus Aesthetics	Stanley	replacement signage installation of UPVC cladding to shop front repainting of existing shop front contribution to kitchen replacement and replacement flooring
The Studio	Spennymoor	repainting to the exterior of the building repairs to woodwork on shop frontage new windows and replacement signage
Fusha	Durham	installation of shop flooring new counter back fitting and fridge housing new internal doors made good all existing ceilings and walls decoration to all areas and decorate existing shop front installation of non illuminated signage
Positive Solutions & Accountants	Consett	replacement shop front and door
Sweet Things Café	Consett	vladding to upper floor windows incorporation of two ramps to existing step to both retail units and retiling works replacement glazing repainting of existing aluminium shop front contribution towards new extraction system
Gills Fry Fry	Horden	contribution towards demolition of part of the property and strip out of remaining area installation of new aluminium windows and doors new perforated roller shutters installation of UPVC cladding miscellaneous masonry work
Ivy Cottage Butchers	West Auckland	replacement of timber shop front with like for like timber alternative new signage upper floor window redecoration
My Dog Barber	Chester-le-Street	installation of new windows to ground and upper floors new door brickwork alterations to create frontage repointing of existing brickwork
M&J Salon	Wheatley Hill	replacement render to frontage new access door installation of new roller shutters contribution towards internal plumbing work
1-3 John Street	Consett	replace all wooden shop fronts to three units new windows to upper floor office units new entrance door to office units new roller shutters to all units
Taras Bridal Fitting Room	Wingate	installation of new shop front (window and door) new internal partition wall electrical wiring work contribution towards internal plumbing work
Manor House Hotel	West Auckland	repair and repoint stonework to the front elevation new signage to front installation of curved wall to car park entrance
K&M Bargains	Consett	installation of new powder coated roller shutters accessible ramp to entrance
Elliot Military Surplus	Tow Law	installation of new traditional shop front replacement signage removal of render and repointing of brickwork installation of new upper floor windows with mock-sash alternative
Angel Brow & Beauty	Chester-le-Street	new signage
The Top House	New Coundon	replacement porch to front elevation
Speedo Car Parts	Crook	installation of new windows and door improvement to doorway access replacement brickwork due to layout change to entrance
Super Power Toys	Bishop Auckland	new signage
Lumley Fish Bar	Great Lumley	installation of new shop frontage (windows and door) new signage contribution towards new extraction system and filter
Bellisima	Blackhill	replacement windows and door resurfacing of space to the front to create parking area with block paved edges
LJ Robley	Framwellgate Moor	replacement window and door repairs to render to front elevation replacement roller shutter and new signage
Moments Café	Barnard Castle	repainting of existing shop front
Treats Café	Durham	shop front improvements including repainting, new signage, installation of window vinyl contribution to internal works
Supreme Fitness	Consett	new double-glazed, anthracite grey UPVC windows replacement aluminium door and frame with double glazed panels new signage replacement fascia boards
PR Fitness	Willington	replacement rendering to all elevations
Kepis Properties	Ferryhill	installation of new shop front to replace damaged windows and door installation of new roller shutters
Co-Op Funeralcare	Consett	installation of large shop front consisting of 10 aluminium frames and double doors, new UPVC cladding in anthracite grey
Jeff's Barbers	Consett	remove and replace existing shop front and door with new anthracite grey alternative and associated brickwork new cladding to shop front surround
St. Cuthberts Hospice	Langley Park	new windows and door new signage to frontage guttering repairs
Top Trimz	Leadgate	replacement UPVC windows and door new render replacement signage
River Valley Developments	Consett	installation of 2 new anthracite grey, aluminium shop fronts 6 new roller shutters
Everyday Café	Stanhope	new awnings to front elevation
Unfiltered Beauty	Consett	new UPVC shop front new fire doors to side elevation with roller shutters new internal doors contribution towards new downstairs kitchen space and new kitchen window
Hooch's Snooker Lounge	Consett	replacement windows to ground floor new UPVC cladding to replace rotten wood
High House	Murton	replacement first floor windows installation of new shop frontages replacement rendering to side elevation installation of car parking facility to side of property, with associated landscaping
Saks Hair & Beauty	Bishop Auckland	new signage new roller shutters re-painting repair to existing ground floor window frames 5 replacement windows to the upper floor
Initial Propco (Belmont) Ltd	Bishop Auckland	new shop front replacement guttering woodwork repairs repainting contribution towards air conditioning unit
Etheridge Estates	Stanley	replacement shop frontage to the ground floor replacement windows to upper floor front and side elevation repainting brickwork surrounding front repainting side elevation upper floor windows

Towns and village vibrancy

Funding to offer further free events in towns.

This has helped increase visitors to our towns and supported retail trade.

Projects supported:

Swipe to see full table

Project	Location
Seaham Food Festival	Seaham
Bishop Auckland Food Festival	Bishop Auckland

Housing and community

The aim of this theme is to help increase the goals of our housing strategy, and build resilient, inclusive, and connected communities while making best use of the money we get from housing developments (S106 money) and private investment.

Housing opportunity fund

Providing finance to communities most effected by empty properties, bringing them back into use as smaller scale residential developments.

We have worked across the County to identify areas of empty residential housing and the demand for smaller scale local residential development. We looked to address long term empty properties in the communities most effected, a problem identified in our Housing Strategy.

Improving community resilience

Improving the resilience of our communities by providing financial support to make improvements to community hubs/centres, and helping to extend access to activities for all.

Example projects include new buildings, extensions, refurbishment, and energy efficiency help. See our Business grants and loans information.

Projects supported:

Swipe to see full table

Project	Location
Alington House	Durham
Lowes Barn Community Centre	Durham
Peterlee & Horden Rugby Club	Peterlee
Woodhouse Close Community Centre	Bishop Auckland
Cotherstone Chapel	Cotherstone
Fishburn Community Resource Centre	Fishburn
Shotton Youth Hub	Shotton Colliery
Spennymoor Youth & Community	Spennymoor
Brandon Boxing Club	Brandon
Framwellgate Moor Community Centre	Framwellgate Moor

Green homes fuel efficiency

Providing us with the opportunity to directly improve properties which are experiencing fuel poverty..

The project has also secured additional funding and aligns to the priorities of our Housing Strategy.

Environment and health

The aim of this theme is to improve the environment and create local opportunities for physical activity. We want to encourage mental well being through a high quality environment.

Built environment

The aim of this theme is to encourage and support regeneration activities by finding innovative solutions for underused/derelict land and buildings, supporting independent retailers and businesses to achieving more/better jobs, and providing clean and attractive towns and villages that communities are proud of.

Transport and connectivity

The aim of this theme is to connect communities for businesses, work, learning and access. It covers the use of well-maintained and connected transport corridors, and encouraging alternative transport including walking and cycling.