Paul Howell, local Member of Parliament, welcomed Durham County Council (DCC)’s decision to bid for Government money to regenerate Newton Aycliffe town centre.
The proposals for Newton Aycliffe, include the repurposing of land and buildings within the town centre, the installation of a public transport interchange, reprovision of surface level car parking and enhanced commercial buildings, as well as improved transport links and an improved cultural offer within the town.
Paul Howell, MP. said: “Whilst these plans have been developed by Durham County Council officers, I have been closely involved in the process and have had numerous meetings with officers. I have always tried to ensure that we make the most of the process by being ambitious about what we can do to unleash the potential in Newton Aycliffe town centre. The plan is to make the Town Centre much more welcoming and better connected.”
Paul added: “I am glad that the Joint Administration of Durham County Council are fully engaged with the Government’s Levelling Up Fund Round 2 and I look forward to their ongoing drive to delivery.”
The plan was discussed at Council Cabinet last Wednesday and has been accepted. Overall, the Council would look to invest £22m in the project, with £20m coming from central Government and £2m being provided by DCC as match funding.
The regeneration scheme sits as part of a package of more than £117m across the county, which includes approximately £20m that was recently allocated to Bishop Auckland, as part of the Government’s flagship Levelling Up Fund.
Cllr James Rowlandson, Conservative Cabinet member for resources, investment and assets, said: “We are really excited to be poised to put in provisional funding bids that would result in more than £117m in investment for communities right across County Durham, on the back of the £20m we have already secured for the Bishop Auckland constituency.”