Teesside MP welcomes 'landmark investment' to transform Park End
It's a 10-year package that'll provide £2m annually
The MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland is welcoming a £20 million regeneration fund for Park End in Middlesbrough.
It was announced last night by the Government as part of its nationwide 'Pride in Place' programme, which will deliver a record investment and support over 330 communities in total. The programme will also give communities greater influence over local assets and decisions.
For Park End, it will see a guaranteed 10-year package that will provide £2 million annually to support local community improvements.
Luke Myer says the investment will be shaped by local people, with surveys and events planned to ensure residents have a real say on how the money is spent, and a new community board will be set up in partnership with Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke to oversee the funds. The board will be independent and chaired by a community figure, ensuring decisions remain nonpartisan.
Luke said: "This is huge news for Park End and I'm glad the government has listened to my calls for more investment in our region. This £20 million regeneration fund will make a massive difference to people’s lives. I am determined this will be shaped by the community and used to deliver the improvements people most want to see. I will work with people of all views to make sure this fund is managed properly and benefits Park End for the long term.”
“I want to thank Secretary of State Steve Reed and also Alex Norris, who when I first raised the case for Park End, promised to look at it. I am delighted that the promise has been delivered, this is a real step forward for our area.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “I’m absolutely thrilled about the funding coming to Park End, this will make a big difference to residents’ lives, and I’m particularly excited with how involved the local community will be in the decisions around where this funding goes to! We await further details, but we are starting to see real investment in our town again.”
Cllr Mick Saunders, Independent Park End councillor, said: “This is absolutely brilliant news for Park End. We welcome the decision from Government to better our estates in Park End. Long overdue that East Middlesbrough gets this treatment from Government.”
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed said: “When people step out of their front doors, they know their communities are struggling. They see shuttered pubs, fading high streets and their local areas in decline.
"Yes, communities have been stretched – but they haven’t given up. They’re working hard to make things better, and we’re backing them. The Government is putting power into their hands so local people decide how best to restore pride in their neighbourhoods, not us in Westminster. That’s what real patriotism looks like: building up our communities and choosing renewal over division.”
Other places getting funding is:
Middlesbrough
- Thorntree
Stockton
- Central Stockton
- Portrack
County Durham
- Peterlee East
- Stanley South
- Crook North
- Tow Law