WORK has started on the build of a brand-new Employment and Skills Hub in Loftus.
Construction works started today (Monday 13 May) at Temperance Square, on the corner of the main junction known locally as “Forbuoys Corner” and is scheduled for completion in early 2025.
The aim of the project 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 single-storey 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.
Although there are no road closures scheduled for these works at this stage, a footpath will need to be closed for a period of time.
A total of £1.8million of the Government’s Future High Streets Fund has been dedicated to this scheme, as well as £1.3million of funding administered by the Tees Valley Combined Authority.
Cllr Lynn Pallister, Cabinet Member for Growth and Enterprise at the Council, said: “It is jobs and prosperity which will transform the prospects of local people. More money in people’s pockets, means more money for them to spend in the local area. Helping local people get the skills and training they need for quality jobs is vitally important, and will only benefit our local businesses and communities.
“I’d like to thank the people of Loftus who have been so incredibly patient while works have been carried out, but they will soon see amazing progress and hopefully it will all have been worth it.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We are creating thousands of new jobs and opportunities at Teesworks which will boost Redcar and East Cleveland for generations to come. The next part of my plan is to ensure everyone from across Teesside, Darlington, and Hartlepool can benefit from these huge opportunities – and this new hub is another part of that.
"We're arming more of our people with the skills and support they need every day and I'm proud we're continuing that charge in the heart of Loftus."
More than £11 million was secured by the Council through the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, the Council’s Area Growth funding, and Indigenous Growth Funding administered by Tees Valley Combined Authority. To see more projects planned for the town, please visit: https://loftusmasterplan.co.uk/