Update on improvements to Yarm High Street works

Work on a series of improvements to Yarm High Street has been paused, ahead of further consultation that is set to take place in the coming weeks.

Work on the proposed regeneration scheme as part of the £20m Levelling Up Fund allocation for Yarm and Eaglescliffe was set to start on Monday 20 October. This included creating new public realm for people to sit and enjoy their surroundings across six areas of the High Street.

The plans aimed to create separate pedestrian areas from car parking through seating, greenery and planting, as well as creating new cycle parking and play on the way features for families.

While two rounds of consultation took place in 2022, last week the Council began a series of engagement sessions with residents and businesses to explain how the project would be phased during construction and how it would impact them.

A range of views and suggestions relating to the design of the scheme were raised and further consultation will take place to make sure the final scheme fully reflects local views.

Councillor Richard Eglington, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "We are proud of what we have delivered in Yarm and Eaglescliffe so far as a result of the Levelling Up Fund, including restoring Yarm Town Hall into a fantastic heritage centre, creating a new public toilet on the High Street, improvements to True Lovers walk and the Snaith's Field play area, along with the transformation of Preston Park into a new and inspiring visitor destination.

"The public improvements to Yarm High Street are set to be the final piece of the jigsaw but we recognise that this has to be right for residents, businesses and visitors.

"We are developing the next steps for a further consultation about the proposals. Details will be available in the coming weeks, and I would urge everyone to look out for the consultation to have their say."

The Levelling Up Fund was announced by the Government in 2021 to allow authorities to deliver local priority projects, including regenerating town centres and high streets, upgrading local transport, and investing in cultural and heritage assets.