Members of the public have been invited to a special drop-in event to give their views on exciting plans to transform Temperance Square in Loftus.
Loftus was awarded £5.8million as part of the Government’s Future High Streets Fund initiative in August 2021.
Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council pulled together a masterplan of regeneration proposals for the high street, and more detailed plans for the Temperance Square project have been revealed.
Currently, the site contains three commercial units, flats to the upper floors, as well as a residential bungalow behind the shops. To the front of the shops are seven parking spaces.
The Council has acquired all of the properties on the site, working with those businesses to relocate to other local premises and helped support their transition.
The plan for the site, subject to planning permission, is to demolish the existing buildings and build a new single-storey Employment and Skills Hub.
This will aim to reduce unemployment numbers within Loftus and wider East Cleveland, encourage new business start-ups and increase the number of training and skills courses on offer.
The building will be purpose built for training and working with relevant partners, such as Jobcentre Plus and Beyond Housing. Parking will be provided at the side at Newcomen Terrace where the building entrance is to be located, leaving the street facing (West Road) elevation surrounded by soft landscaping such as trees and a grassed area.
A total of £1.8million of the Future High Streets Fund has been dedicated to this scheme, as well as £760,000 from the Indigenous Growth Fund administered by TVCA.
Members of the public can visit the special drop-in event, which takes place at Loftus Town Hall on Wednesday 9 November between 3pm and 6.30pm.
Alternatively, the public can fill out a digital survey, which is open for two weeks. This is available at:
https://redcarcleveland.uk.engagementhq.com/temperance-square
Cllr Chris Gallacher, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at the Council, said:
“We want as many views as possible from our residents and local business owners on these proposals, so please do come along to the event if possible. The web link is also live for two weeks, so there are other opportunities to have your say.
“By opening an Employment and Skills Hub in Loftus we aim to provide employment opportunities for local people as well as make it easier for residents to upskill and start their own businesses.
“Each project we deliver for Loftus will transform the area into a modern market town creating a more vibrant place for all who work, live and visit here.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said:
"These funds were tailor-made to breathe new life into our town centres - and it's great to see them doing just that. Getting more people back on high streets, visiting our region and backing our brilliant local businesses has never been more vital.
“These plans are transformative - and it's important people in Loftus and East Cleveland share their thoughts as we pull this vision together."
To have your say, please…
- visit the drop-in event at Loftus Town Hall on Wednesday 9th November, 3pm – 6.30pm; or
- take the survey at: https://redcarcleveland.uk.engagementhq.com/temperance-square or
- visit the council's Twitter (twitter.com/RedcarCleveland) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/redcarcleveland/) pages.
To find out more about the Loftus Masterplan please visit https://loftusmasterplan.co.uk
The deadline for responses is 17 November 2022