Members of the public have been invited to a special drop-in event 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 in an aim to create jobs and encourage inward investment, and to create a vibrant and attractive town centre.
The board wants to improve perceptions and increase pride in Redcar and the rest of the borough and strengthen its culture and leisure offer to draw visitors and residents into the town throughout the year.
A special drop-in event is being organised at Redcar Leisure Centre on Wednesday 5 October, 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 following the drop-in session, opposite the Civic Centre.
The 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 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. Dundas and Bath Street will accommodate some parking re-located from the Esplanade
- improving Station Road by widening pedestrian areas, improving pavements and road crossing and street furniture.
A consultation event took place in July and the Town Deal Board would like views from the public on updated plans.
Recent changes have included the removal of the rain gardens on the Esplanade and amended parking arrangements.
A joint statement from Cllr Chris Gallacher, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, and Darren Winter, Chair of the Redcar Town Board, said:
“We very much value the views of our residents, so we have hosted a number of these events to try and get as much feedback as possible and to let people know of the exciting plans we are proposing.
“Working in partnership, we have an opportunity to deliver a number of projects to boost tourism and economic opportunities for residents, not only in Redcar, but the wider borough. So, please come along to the event if you can.”