Newton Aycliffe town centre development plans still alive
Plans to demolish a multi-storey car park remain on the table despite losing out on funding for a regeneration scheme.
The site in Newton Aycliffe closed over health and safety concerns and was a key part of plans to redevelop the town centre.
It was hoped the repurposed land could be used as a bus interchange and ground-level car park, creating easier access for visitors.
Durham County Council announced an ambition to demolish the car park in 2022 if a government funding bid was successful. It hoped to use Levelling Up funding to repurpose the derelict site alongside wider town centre improvements, but the council failed to receive the investment.
Yet, the local authority has reiterated its desire to fulfill the proposed plans.
The site previously provided hundreds of parking spaces and access to nearby shops but has since been described as having reached the “end of its life”.
A masterplan for Newton Aycliffe, produced by Durham County Council, noted: “The demolition of the car park has the potential to provide a sizable development plot alongside the existing surface car parking immediately adjacent.”
The proposed regeneration scheme also identified several significant challenges and opportunities facing the town centre.
“These include the design of the town centre, the number of vacant units and buildings, the poor quality of the retail and leisure offer and the need for a broader range of uses,” the council said.
“Many of these issues have been further magnified by the Covid-19 pandemic and wider trends in the retail and leisure industry. The nature and extent of these challenges mean that a radical approach is required to reinvigorate the centre.”
Demolishing vacant premises on Beveridge Way and rehoming existing businesses to create a town centre development area also formed part of the masterplan.
Graham Wood, Durham County Council’s economic development manager, said: “While the Levelling Up bid was unsuccessful, we continue to work closely with the owner on how they can continue their long-term regeneration plans for Newton Aycliffe. These plans include the demolition of the multi-storey car park and re-use of the site.”
Aycliffe Town Centre, owners of the car park, were contacted for comment but did not respond.