Council resubmits £20million Levelling Up Fund bid for Billingham

Proposals to transform Billingham Town Centre have been resubmitted for Round 2 of the Government's Levelling Up Fund as part of ambitious plans to bring transformational change to the town. 

The refined £20million bid, which the Council submitted to Government on Tuesday (2 AUGUST) is to support the redevelopment of the town centre and increase investment in Billingham.

This 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.

The enhanced bid combines with the Council's previous financial commitment to Billingham Town Centre. As part of this, the Council continues to explore the potential for acquisition of the Town Centre, with further valuation work and building condition surveys underway. 

The refined bid comes following an initial unsuccessful bid in Round 1 of applications last year.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "We are keen to make the most of this funding opportunity and I am confident that this submission is a strong bid that if approved can bring real change to Billingham.

"It represents a huge opportunity for us to deliver something transformational for our residents. A lot of work has gone into ensuring that we stand the best chance of securing much-needed investment for the town.

"We have exciting plans for our six town centres and the Levelling Up Fund give us the additional opportunity to align our previous financial commitment to the town."

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

Find out more on how the Council is  transforming its six town centres. 

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