‘Radical’ changes to revive “fading” North East high streets have been promised through a new task force which met for the first time on Thursday, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Daniel Holland.
A high streets commission, launched by North East mayor Kim McGuinness, held its inaugural meeting in South Shields as communities across the region were told to expect tangible improvements that will breathe fresh life into areas which have suffered through decades of decline.
The panel of experts, for whom Sunderland-born TV architect George Clarke will act as a high-profile ambassador, are expected to identify a handful of “beacon” locations to receive substantial public funds, in the hope of attracting further private investment and acting as models for sustainable, long-term change.
On a tour of Ocean Road and King Street in South Shields town centre, where it is hoped the relocation of South Tyneside College will act as a catalyst for regeneration, Newcastle Building Society chief executive Andrew Haigh said the commission was “not about coming in and putting a lick of paint on something, it is about changing the economy and changing how we see the high street”.
Mr Haigh, who will co-chair the group, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “What used to be the beating heart and hub of our communities is so often fading away to be almost irrelevant to people who are living and working locally. But we know people want their high street to work. The commission is all about galvanising the thinking and resources that will reimagine what the high street looks like, reimagine how it can be… and create a place where communities want to gather again.”
The commission’s members include representatives from the likes of Greggs, Karbon Homes, and Gateshead community organisation Orbis.
It had been due to launch in February this year, after the mayor pledged £850,000 to set up the board and develop its initial priorities, but has delayed by nine months.
Ms McGuinness said that the ability to walk from home to shops, libraries, and health services is “not a reality for too many people” and that “radical and bold” solutions would be delivered, rather than the commission acting as a “talking shop”.
The Labour mayor added: “The last thing I want is a talking shop. The reason we are in South Shields is that we have already got started with this work, we have invested nearly £20 million in relocating South Tyneside College onto South Shields high street because we know it will work – it will drive footfall, it is already bringing accommodation and housing with it, and investment in retail. That is what we want to see in more places across our region.
“The commission is about taking direct action, identifying the places that need that investment, and not just putting our public money in but attracting private investment alongside so people can feel that proper improvement that they want to see.”
Commission member Andy Haddon, of Newcastle’s Big River Bakery, said his business was proof of what is possible – having helped regenerate Shieldfield and turn it into an area now attracting international tourists for stottie-making courses.
He told the LDRS: “Everyone told me I was mad to set up a bakery there and it has worked. We have shown it is possible in a part of the city where everyone thought ‘nothing has happened here for 30 years and that is how it is always going to be’. It doesn’t have to be that way with some creativity, positivity, and collaboration.”
Sharon Appleby, chief executive of Sunderland’s Business Improvement District, highlighted her city’s regeneration as one that had taken “a long time” but was now finding a “right mix” – though new housing, bars and restaurants, cultural developments like the Fire Station, the opening of a new eye hospital, and the Keel Crossing bridge.
The commission’s other co-chair added: “What is right for a city centre might not be right for a town centre, or a more local centre. Look at somewhere like Acorn Road in Jesmond – yes, you have the wealth around there but it also has lots of young people. It has everything you need on it, it has really lovely boutiques, and it has charity shops and all the normal things. But it just works and it all sits comfortably together.”
Daniel Holland
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
