Community to help shape £20 million investment plan

Our Cabinet will receive an update on the town's inclusion within the Government's £1.1 billion Long-term Plan for Towns Programme when it meets next week.

Spennymoor was one of 55 towns across England selected for the programme and has been allocated £20 million to invest in regeneration projects over the next 10 years.

The new vision and investment plan must focus on the following themes: high street heritage and regeneration; transport and connectivity; and safety and security.

New town board

Cabinet will hear how we are convening a town board led by an independent Chair to develop the investment plan. The board will be made up of community representatives, businesspeople and other local organisations and will engage with residents to ensure their views are at the heart of the vision.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, our Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "Spennymoor has benefited from both public and private sector investment in recent years and this additional funding will help us to keep the momentum going.

"What's more, it will empower local people to shape the future of their town and identify projects that will make a positive difference for years to come - from further enhancement of the high street and shopping areas to boosting transport links to connect residents to jobs, opportunities and leisure activities.

"This approach aligns closely with County Durham's Inclusive Economic Strategy, along with our efforts to revitalise communities across the county through the Towns and Villages programme."

Accelerate regeneration

The Long-term Plan for Towns funding will accelerate regeneration efforts already underway in the town, building on £7.5 million of public and private sector investment. This includes the redevelopment of the former Festival Walk precinct; improving car parking facilities; enhancing the public realm in the Market Place; creating a new public space in Cheapside; and a programme of investment in Spennymoor Leisure Centre, including the relocation of the town library.

The wider Spennymoor area has also received considerable private sector investment at DurhamGate and Thinford Park, as well as the construction of a new £13 million primary and nursery school at Tudhoe.

We began the process of recruiting for an independent Chair of the Spennymoor Town Board last month. The chair will play a leading role in convening members, steering the development of the investment plan and overseeing the delivery of the projects identified.

The investment plan must be submitted to Government by August this year.

Cabinet will meet at County Hall in Durham City at 9.30am on Wednesday 13 March.