Image demonstrating Blyth town centre funding bid welcomed

Blyth town centre funding bid welcomed

Plans to put Blyth forward for major funding to rejuvenate the town centre have been welcomed.

Blyth Town Forum, a newly formed partnership between the county and town councils, and other strategic partners in the town, believes the bid could help unlock a new and improved future for the town centre.

It comes after the County Council confirmed it would submit an expression of interest this month for the town, seeking support from the national Future High Streets Fund to develop a new, deliverable vision for the centre of Blyth.  

County Councillor Richard Wearmouth, cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said:  “Blyth has so many fantastic features, great beaches, a thriving port, lovely green spaces and a host of new housing.

“However there’s no denying the town centre itself is in need of support.

The next stage is to submit the application to central government which, if successful, would allow us to carry out an in-depth feasibility study to be submitted in the coming months.

“This will be a real partnership scheme and we’ll be working with a range of organisations to bring forward new ideas for regenerating and improving the town centre in the short, medium and long-term.”

Town Councillor John Potts added: “This is a challenging period for the high street, not just in Blyth, but across the country, and we’re delighted the town is being put forward for this funding.

“It won’t be the answer to everything, a lot of hard work lies ahead, but by working together we can make things happen.”  
 
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