News-Millions invested into towns and villages in County Durham

Next week, our Cabinet will hear how the Towns and Villages programme has supported a wide range of regeneration projects since its launch in 2018, as well as helping hundreds of new and existing businesses to thrive.

From bringing empty buildings back into use and providing training to new retail businesses, to supporting events and improving walking and cycling routes - the programme responds to the challenges faced by many towns and villages and delivers improvements for the benefit of all those who live, work, study and visit there.

To date, £13.5 million has been invested; a further £15.8 million has been committed to new projects and grant schemes; and £2.7 million remains to be allocated. More than £81 million of private sector investment and other match funding has also been secured for place-based regeneration.

Cabinet will also hear how the £13.5 million invested through Towns and Villages is part of £30.8 million spent on placed-based regeneration by us since April 2019.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, our Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "The Towns and Villages programme is a key part of our Inclusive Economic Strategy and it's wonderful to see it making such a positive difference to the vibrancy of communities across County Durham. It's all about understanding the challenges towns and villages face and providing the funding and support needed on a local level to solve these issues, create opportunities and ensure places prosper.

"Bringing empty buildings back into use is a great example of just how extensive the impact can be. By awarding a grant or loan to a business to renovate a vacant building, we're supporting that business to grow, boosting the economy and creating and safeguarding jobs.

"We're also helping to improve the appearance of the area by removing a potential eyesore and target for anti-social behaviour. And we're providing more leisure and retail facilities for residents and visitors alike. This, in turn, attracts more people, further boosting the economy and making our towns and villages a more appealing prospect for future investors."

Key Towns and Villages achievements between 1 April 2018 and 31 September 2024 include:

• 132 vacant buildings brought back into use
• 261 businesses supported, including 84 new businesses
• Grants totalling £1.75 million awarded
• 504 full time equivalent jobs created
• 365.5 full time equivalent jobs safeguarded

Cabinet will be asked to note the progress of the Towns and Villages programme and approve the 2025/26 investment plan when it meets at County Hall on Wednesday 4 December at County Hall.