Multi-million pound proposals to transform Redcar have been submitted to Government.
Redcar is among 101 towns selected by Government to agree a deal for up to £25 million from the Government's £3.6 billion Towns Fund.
A number of large-scale regeneration and development ideas on how to make Redcar a vibrant, sustainable town have been submitted by the Town Board, made up of representatives from across the public and private sector.
The exciting projects, which can be seen by air via a fly-through video, include the building of a new centre for water sports and outdoor activities at Coatham to help attract more visitors to the town. The development of an indoor Family Activity Centre on the seafront has also been proposed, with activities such as bowling, mini golf, laser tag and a climbing wall along with a café/restaurant with sea views.
Another proposal includes linking the seafront to the High Street with a new outdoor space where existing and pop-up businesses could trade outside.
The Council's services would also be brought together on the High Street with an improved library and employment support hub with meeting rooms. The purpose-built facility will provide a modern and welcoming space for all with access to digital technology, information, services and learning. It will include an engaging story-telling area and rooms for exhibitions and events, replacing existing library provision, and putting it in the heart of the town where it will thrive.
Local businesses will be key to Redcar's success. A Town Centre Management function will be established. This will provide a dedicated resource to liaise with investors and administer business support, such as digital training to take advantage of the e-commerce boom. It will also help to coordinate events and drive further improvements to the visitor experience, ensuring that the town remains vibrant all year round.
A new Clean Energy Education Hub at Redcar & Cleveland College is also being proposed. This would provide a training and skills facility tailored to the local economy's needs. Working with local investors and employers, the Centre will mean the borough's residents can benefit from new jobs in the fast-growing energy sector.
The board also aims to improve transport connections to Teesworks, which is set to become the UK's biggest industrial zone, to ensure residents can access job opportunities.
These plans would build on the major new leisure project in the Coatham area which was announced last year. The Government agreed to grant Redcar £750,000 for the project which includes a new hotel, adventure golf site and play area.
Planned investment at Redcar Central Station and Regent Cinema will be boosted by improvements to Station Road and the Northern Quarter. This will include upgrading the street scene to give the best first impression of Redcar, as well as supporting aspirational new housing and business units.
Darren Winter, Chair of the Redcar Town Board, said: "With thanks to the people and businesses of Redcar and our strategic partners, the board is proud to deliver this exciting proposal for Government consideration, which represents a cohesive plan of well-considered, stimulating and sustainable projects in order to secure a prosperous future for the people and businesses of Redcar.
“We now call on Government to support us with the required funding, so we can deliver the projects and unlock the full range of opportunities available to the town."
Cllr Wayne Davies, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “If we are successful in our bid, £25 million worth of investment could absolutely transform Redcar for our residents, delivering real prosperity with new jobs and training schemes in emerging industries. This investment would also provide visitors to the seafront some fantastic things to do with all the family.
“This bid is a great opportunity for Redcar and the borough as a whole, and reaching this milestone is an achievement for everyone involved, including the many residents and businesses who took part in our consultation exercises. We will continue to engage with members of the public on the project if we progress to the next stages."
Jacob Young, MP for Redcar, said: "It's fantastic that Redcar was selected by the Government to make a bid for Towns Deal funding.
"I have worked over the last year alongside the rest of the Towns Deal Board to put together a bid that properly reflects the needs of our town and sets out where we want to see Redcar grow over the coming years.
"One of my key focuses was revitalising Station Road and using this investment to transform the area around the Station into a true gateway for the town.
"These projects are only the start and I'd still love to see a new proper pier in Redcar - however I'm pleased with where we've gotten to and I am looking forward to seeing what the Government comes back with.
"As ever, I will continue to fight for investment in other areas of Redcar and Cleveland like Eston, Marske and Grangetown, to ensure these parts of our community get the transformation they need to thrive."