LEVELLING UP FUND
I am naturally very disappointed to learn that our application for the regeneration of Newton Aycliffe town centre via the Levelling Up Fund was unsuccessful this time.
Although our application was unsuccessful, I am pleased to see ten projects across the North East have been allocated more than £100 million from round two of the government’s flagship Levelling Up Fund. This builds on the £1.7 billion already awarded to 105 projects in the first round.
To that end, the North East has received £41 per head of population in this round compared to much lower figures elsewhere. Although I welcome this, I acknowledge that there is always room for more.
Therefore, I have written to the Department and await detailed feedback on our application which we can then use to guide any future bids.
All projects in the North East awarded Levelling Up Fund grants are:
£20 million to help build a brand new arena, world class Exhibition Centre, hotels, bars, restaurants and walkways at Gateshead Quays which will create thousands of jobs and generate over £40 million for the local economy every year.
£19.5 million of funding will deliver a fleet of 52 electric buses, 26 rapid chargers and 92 electric vehicle chargers across the North East in a huge boost for the region’s zero-carbon economy.
Between Hexham and Bedlington, almost £15 million will build new, high quality cycling and pedestrian lanes to give people better, greener routes to work, major transport hubs and tourist attractions.
A new Production Village for Hartlepool with over £16 million, providing new jobs and opportunities in the creative industries and boosting the local economy.
£20 million investment in the Newham Grange highway scheme will unlock 800 homes in Middlesbrough, while new pedestrian and cycle tracks will better connect Guisborough town centre to Teesworks and the North York Moors National Park.
Almost £18 million funding will deliver over 15km of new, high-quality cycling and walking routes across the Tees Valley, connecting communities to employment, training and education.
Paul
