HAVE YOUR SAY: Public invited to give their views on multi-million pound projects for Redcar

MEMBERS of the public have been invited to give their views on multi-million pound plans for Redcar.

Last year, the town was awarded £25 million as part of the Government’s Town Deal initiative.

The Town Deal Board are a group of industry experts, business leaders, and community representatives, who have volunteered to support the development of the Redcar Town Deal and the regeneration of Redcar. They have developed some large-scale regeneration plans on how to make Redcar a vibrant, sustainable town.

One misconception that many in the town have is that this is a council generated scheme which it is not. The council officers and two board members, who are elected members of the council, are there to administer the representation and administration of funds and contract awarding in line with the board’s requirements: and to interface with government in the drawing down of monies and the justification of each element of the project.  The town board are the final arbiters of the town deal.

The latest set of proposals include:

  • a new family activity centre and cultural hub where the current Goodwins building and former Marks and Spencer’s building are located.; This new family activity centre and relocated library/cultural hub is to be located all under one roof. This will help Redcar’s visitor economy by introducing new indoor attractions such as bowling, interactive games and laser tag which can be enjoyed whatever the weather.
  • improving the appearance of the high street by creating an uncluttered environment and developing spaces for events and activities. This could pedestrianise Queen Street to create a gateway to the high street from Station Road, provide lighting features, create locations for seating and public artwork.
  • improving the appearance of the southern section of the esplanade by resurfacing and widening pavements, improving road crossings, introduce seating and lighting.
  • improving Station Road by widening pedestrian areas, improving pavements and road crossing and street furniture.

The public can find out more, and give their views on proposals, by visiting: https://redcarcleveland.uk.engagementhq.com/hub-page/redcar-town-deal

A special drop-in event is also being organised on Redcar High Street outside the former Marks & Spencer’s building on Tuesday 5 July, between 10am and 6pm, where people can ask questions of architects, designers and the project team as they talk through the proposals.

There will also be a fixed display in the main library, opposite the Civic Centre.

Another project within the Town Deal scheme which has taken a step forward is the new Clean Energy Education Hub at Redcar & Cleveland College, with contractors starting on site this month. This hub will provide a training and skills facility so the borough’s residents can benefit from new jobs in the fast-growing energy sector.

Darren Winter, Chair of Redcar Town Board, said: “We were delighted by the positive response from residents and businesses at our June consultation, so this is another opportunity for those who couldn’t attend to come along, meet the project team, ask questions and share their views about the exciting projects helping to shape Redcar into the town they want it to be.

Cllr Chris Gallacher, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at the council, said: “We very much value the views of our residents so this is a great way for people to have their say and get involved in the process.

“Working in partnership with the Redcar Town Board, we have an opportunity to deliver a number of projects to boost tourism and economic opportunities for our residents, not only in Redcar, but the wider borough.”

The consultation is open until 8 July. To find out more, please visit https://redcarcleveland.uk.engagementhq.com/hub-page/redcar-town-deal