Temperance Square in Loftus is to be transformed.
Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s regulatory committee today (Thursday 2 February) approved plans to demolish the existing buildings in the area and build a new single-storey Employment and Skills Hub.
The aim is 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 Newcommen 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 the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.
Cllr Chris Gallacher, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at the Council, said:
“It’s fantastic that this project has been approved allowing us to open an Employment and Skills Hub in Loftus. Our aim is 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:
"As well as helping to drive forward huge, transformational projects, we’ve also dedicated funding like this to breathe new life into our town centres, and I’m delighted this project has been approved to do just that.
“As well as improving Loftus, it will help local people to access the good-quality jobs we’re creating right across our area, complementing our work elsewhere – such as the Teesworks Skills Academy – to make sure everyone can succeed.”
For more information on the Loftus Masterplan, please visit: https://loftusmasterplan.co.uk/