'Strong and enhanced' £20million bid for Billingham to be resubmitted in Round 2 of Levelling Up Fund

Proposals to transform Billingham Town Centre are to be resubmitted for Round 2 of the Levelling Up Fund as part of the Council's plans to bring transformational change to the town.

A report to Cabinet will seek approval for the submission of a £20million bid this summer to support the redevelopment of the town centre and increase investment in Billingham.

A successful bid would help address a number of issues in the town centre and support the Council's long-standing ambition to take back control of the centre.

Redevelopment would help address some of the challenges of changing trends that are contributing towards excess retail space and high national vacancy rates in town centres.

A decision on the outcome of the Round 2 expected in the Autumn.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "We have exciting plans for our six town centres and the Levelling Up Fund give us the additional opportunity to bring real transformational change to Billingham, combined with our previous financial commitment to the town.

"It was deeply disappointing to find out that we had been unsuccessful in Round 1 of the funding as Billingham is in need of investment and has so much potential.

"We are keen to make the most of this funding opportunity and I am confident that the new application for £20million in Round 2 will be a strong and enhanced bid.

"Over the last ten years, we've shaped Billingham into different type of place and experience but there are parts of the town that are still in need of investment. Our plans will create a town centre that is fit for purpose for future generations."

Cabinet is also being asked to approve significant investment for improvements to Ingleby Barwick and Norton, following a series of public consultation events.

This includes approval for detailed options to be developed for the existing play area and the extended site in Romano Park, building on the enhancement of green space and accessibility improvements. Further public engagement will also be planned as the final scheme is designed.

In Norton, the allocation of previously approved funding will allow proposals for improvements for the southern section of the High Street and the duck pond.

In Stockton, positive discussions are also taking place with the final tenants remaining in Castlegate Shopping Centre to see all three relocate to Wellington Square.

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