Plans for new public realm scheme on Norton High Street to be available to view

Norton's residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to a series of information sessions to view the proposed design for the one way-system and public realm improvements.

The scheme has been proposed by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council as part of plans to transform the Borough's six town centres to encourage new uses and make them fit for the future.

Plans include the creation of a northbound, one-way system at the very southern section of the High Street, as well as improvements to pedestrianised areas and public realm.

The Council is also proposing to create extended pedestrianised areas, which will provide more space and an improved environment along the High Street.

Work to develop the public realm will include the creation of flexible spaces for events, car parking and leisure activities through improvements to this section and the pedestrianised area in front of Costa.

New and improved paving, hard and soft landscaping and planting will also be provided along the southern section of the High Street, along with seating areas to support Norton's businesses by encouraging further footfall.

These improvements will help to accommodate the increasing popularity of Norton but also allow room for exciting new opportunities and further growth.

They will also ensure that the Council's well-established programme of specialist markets and events can be readily extended to Norton through the creation of these flexible spaces.

Due to Norton's increasing popularity as a place to live, work and visit, these options are being explored to improve pedestrian movement and traffic flow to improve accessibility on the High Street.

Images of the proposed one-way system, the public realm improvements and types of materials that will be used will be available to view in Norton Library on the Wednesday 1 December and Friday 3 December.

There will be an opportunity discuss the proposed design with members of the Council's Town Centres Investment Team as well as providing feedback on the scheme.

The plans have been developed following the 'Let's Talk About Our Towns' public consultation that took place in 2020, which identified a need for improvements to parking in the area, improving traffic and continuing to offer support for local businesses.

The proposals form part of improvements to Norton including the replacement of the duck pond's fountain and further improvements to the duck pond area, which are scheduled for Spring 2022. This is dependent upon factors such as the availability and delivery timescales of the chosen materials.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "The huge increase in Norton's daytime and evening economy is clear for all to see. People want to be a part of Norton and its success but with that comes improvements that need to be made to give everyone the best experience.

"These proposed plans are the next step in the journey for futureproofing Norton  and ensuring it is fit for purpose for future generations.

"They include improvements to traffic flow, a new public realm that will allow for markets and events to take place, wider pedestrianised areas to allow more space and increased car parking in the area."

Following the information sessions, all feedback will be completed and considered before a final design is completed. A statutory consultation in relation to the use of the highway is set to take place in Spring 2022 with the programme of works expected to begin in the Summer.

When and where will the public information sessions take place?

The public information sessions will be held in Norton Library, 87 High Street, Norton, TS20 1AE.

Residents and visitors are invited to attend on Wednesday 1 December from 10am to 1pm and on Friday 3 December from 4pm to 7pm.

Business owners are invited to attend on Wednesday 1 December from 4pm to 7pm and on Friday 3 December from 10am to 1pm.

What will be on display?

The proposed design and its features will be on display for the public to view and provide feedback on, along with a selection of computer-generated images showing the potential benefits of the completed works.

What happens if I cannot attend the public information sessions?

The design and the feedback form will also be available to complete online from Wednesday 1 December to Friday 17 December for those who are unable to make the sessions.