The ongoing transformation of Spennymoor is gathering pace, with the demolition of derelict buildings creating space for a new walled garden.
Durham County Council has acquired three pieces of land for regeneration over the last 12 months, as part of its commitment to revitalising towns and villages across the county.
The demolition of five derelict units in Cheapside is expected to take a further seven weeks and will allow the creation of a new community garden where residents and visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of the town centre.
This builds on work already undertaken in the marketplace and former Festival Walk shopping area, which has been funded by the council’s Towns and Villages and town centre capital programmes.
Along with the creation of a new car park in 2021, recent enhancements have included the installation of new paving, bollards, seating and bespoke lighting to help create a more vibrant atmosphere.
The demolition also coincides with the appointment of Alan Boddy as the independent Chair of the new Spennymoor Long Term Plan for Towns (LTPT) board.
Made up of community ambassadors, businesspeople, councillors and representatives from local organisations, the board will oversee the delivery of the new investment plan following confirmation Spennymoor has been awarded £20 million from the Government’s Long Term Plan for Towns Fund.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We are committed to investing in regeneration schemes that will make a positive difference for years to come.
“This is certainly the motivation behind the work we are undertaking in Spennymoor, where a combination of public realm enhancements and the creation of new and improved amenities are helping to revitalise this important part of the town centre.
“It’s fantastic that this latest phase of the town’s regeneration is underway.”
Other recent investment by the council in Spennymoor includes a major refurbishment of the town’s leisure centre, which now incorporates the library, as well as an upgraded swimming pool and a new children’s soft play area and café.
The third phase of the regeneration scheme will see the demolition of the former library and garage buildings later this spring.
For more information about town centre redevelopment plans or to find out more about the council’s retail support packages for businesses, contact ced[@]durham.gov.uk or visit www.durham.gov.uk/retail
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
