More than £1 million will be spent on a string of regeneration projects in Cramlington, with council bosses confirming plans to bring forward six key schemes in the Northumberland town.
The investment, totalling more than £1.4 million, includes more than £800,000 to be spent at the Manor Walks shopping centre. Improvements will be made to traffic management around the key town centre site to reduce congestion, while the county council will also develop a new town square to act as a focal point for the entire town.
Addressing a missing town centre
As a so-called "new town" built out in the 1960s, Cramlington lacks a traditional town centre. It is hoped the new square will go some way to addressing this, with the space set to host events such as farmer's markets and outdoor screenings.
Other projects include a £250,000 investment in the Mayfield Community Centre and £230,000 on a new active travel corridor at the B1505, Crow Lane Hall and Nelson Drive.
Funding sources and next steps
Speaking at Tuesday's meeting of the council's cabinet, deputy council leader Richard Wearmouth said it was important to invest in the town after it missed out on other sources of funding. He said: "These projects are a series of improvements funded by the Cramlington Regeneration Fund. Cramlington is a new and growing town, but many parts have been around for a considerable amount of time."
"The town hasn't received Borderlands funding, town deal or future high streets funding. We have helped to push forward significant projects, but we nonetheless feel we needed to get regeneration money into Cramlington to make improvements across the town. These are the latest we're seeking funding for. There is more still to come, but this is a very big next step."
The Cramlington Regeneration Programme is a £3.5 million initiative funded by Northumberland County Council. The council says the programme has the ultimate vision of encouraging people to "live, work and raise families in a town with strong community spirit".
So far, the programme has supported the delivery of the £500,000 Youth Zone in the Blagdon Estate, a £150,000 activity trail in Alexandra Park, and a Dementia Friendly Garden on the former Parkside Middle School playing field.
Community backing for investment
Cabinet member for adult social care, Coun Eve Chicken, said: "Cramlington deserves to have this money spent on it. It is a new, up and coming town where we have put a lot of investment in already. We are bringing it all together to make a town centre that we all want to have - a productive area that creates jobs, gives people places to go to socialise, meet and sell their wares. This will tackle a number of issues that have been raised."
Council leader Glen Sanderson said the success of the programme should act as a blueprint for other towns in the county seeking investment. He said: "What this shows very clearly is when you have a town council or a group of people that really want to invest in their towns, if they come in with imagination, determination and a business plan it will happen anywhere in Northumberland. We know we have various towns that say 'we never get anything' - well here you are, what a perfect example this is."
"All I can say is well done to the town council and the county councillors."
