Residents across three neighbourhoods are being invited to have a direct say on how significant government investment will be spent in their area.
The £5 billion Pride in Place programme will see up to £20 million invested into each of East Peterlee, South Stanley, and Crook North and Tow Law over the next ten years as part of phase two of the programme. The funding will be paid to Durham County Council as the Accountable Body after submission of a 10-year vision and Pride in Place Plan.
The council will oversee up to £60 million of additional funding to be invested across these three areas. That means, over the next nine months, the council will work alongside local MPs and residents to establish Neighbourhood Boards.
As a result, the local authority is encouraging residents, workers and people with strong ties in the three areas to get involved as each Neighbourhood Board will be seeking an independent chair.
The role will require someone who can act as a champion for their area, provide strong leadership, and ensure the process remains community-led.
These boards will engage with communities to develop a shared vision and long-term investment plan for each area.
In order to access the funding, each neighbourhood will develop a community-led Regeneration Plan, ensuring that local priorities, ideas and ambitions are central to decision-making.
Anyone interested in taking on this role should email CED@durham.gov.uk and request an informal discussion. For further information visit www.durham.gov.uk/economicdevelopment.
Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “This funding will be a huge boost to our work in regenerating these areas and will no doubt be welcomed by residents, who will play a key role in shaping what is delivered through these Neighbourhood Boards.
“This approach aligns closely with our Strategic Place Plans which are already encouraging communities to get involved in identifying challenges and regeneration opportunities across the county, with work underway in areas such as Peterlee and Consett, and with Seaham due to commence in the coming months.
“We will work closely with communities to deliver this funding and ensure local people remain at the heart of redevelopment in their neighbourhoods.”
The council was also awarded Pride in Place funding under Phase 1 of the programme, with Spennymoor selected by the Government and set to receive the first tranche of delivery funding in April 2026.
The Spennymoor All Together Neighbourhood Board has already been established, ensuring that all voices are heard as the town shapes its vision and investment plan.
