Opportunity to help deliver £20 million worth of investment in Spennymoor
An opportunity is available to play a crucial role in the ongoing regeneration of a County Durham town, helping to deliver millions of pounds worth of investment over the next 10 years.
We are forming a new Spennymoor Town Board and are seeking to appoint its first Chair after the town was selected to receive a share of the Government's £1.1 billion Long-term Plan for Towns fund.
Over the next decade, Spennymoor will have access to £20 million of funding for projects focussed on reviving the high street, tackling anti-social behaviour, improving transport and growing the economy.
Working together
The Spennymoor Town Board will bring together representatives from the community and public and private sectors to create a new vision for the town and to identify projects that would benefit from the funding. The Chair will play a leading role in convening members, steering the development of an investment plan and overseeing the delivery of the projects identified.
Recruitment is now underway and individuals with a passion and commitment to developing Spennymoor are encouraged to apply before Thursday 29 February.
Applicants are asked to send send a CV and cover letter setting out why they are interested in the role to spennymoorregeneration@durham.gov.uk. Any questions about the role can also be submitted to the same email address.
Ongoing investment
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, our Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "The Long-term Plan for Towns funding will allow us to build upon ongoing work to deliver regeneration in Spennymoor. More than £7 million has been invested in recent times, including the redevelopment at the former Festival Walk shopping centre site and the town's leisure centre. A new public realm has been created, targeted business improvement grants have been delivered and new retailers such as Aldi have opened in the town.
"Serving as Chair on the Spennymoor Town Board is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a passion for the town to not only oversee the creation of a new vision, but to help make that vision a reality.
"They will ensure the views of local residents and business owners are at the heart of the investment plan, and that the funding is used in a way that benefits the community and its economy for generations to come."
Giving people a voice
The ideal candidate will have experience of working in the public and private sector or in a community leadership role; excellent communication skills; and the ability to run an effective, diverse and inclusive board where everyone's voices are heard and clear decisions are reached, accepted and followed up.
A strong connection to Spennymoor and an understanding of residents' needs are essential.
The application process is open until Thursday 29 February and will be followed by shortlisting and interviews. The appointment will be made on a two-year term, initially running until 31 March 2026.