A new commission is launching to breathe life into North East high streets plagued by empty shops and decline, with plans for long-term revitalization.
South Shields: A new commission is on the way to help struggling high streets in the North East. It’s all about bringing back life to towns with empty shops.
Mayor Kim McGuinness and council leaders are ready to invest £850,000. This money will help set up a board focused on revitalizing town centers. They want to tackle issues like anti-social behavior and lack of investment.
The goal is to create lasting change, not just quick fixes. They’re looking at new housing and better public transport to help boost these areas. It’s all about making towns appealing again.
We don’t know yet which towns will be prioritized. The commission will work with local councils in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, and Durham to decide. They’ll figure it out once the commission kicks off in February.
Ms. McGuinness believes high streets are vital for community life. They’re not just for shopping; they’re places to gather and enjoy local culture. She’s determined to restore pride in these areas.
She said, “We want to reimagine our towns and give communities a say in their future.” It’s about evolving and creating more opportunities for everyone.
A report shows that foot traffic in UK high streets has been dropping for over a decade. The pandemic made things worse, with many shops now empty. Areas with high deprivation, like parts of the North East, have been hit the hardest.
North and South Shields, Horden, Blyth, and Gateshead are highlighted as needing help. The report suggests that past government initiatives haven’t been enough to spark real change.
Next week, the cabinet will meet in South Shields to officially agree on creating the commission and investing the initial funds. It’s an exciting step towards revitalizing the North East!
