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Billingham

Billingham town centre is currently privately owned and has benefited from significant Council investment over the years. The town centre's main shopping area remains popular but there are parts which could benefit from further investment or change of use.

Proposals to create inclusive and accessible new spaces, while protecting its retail offering were created following the 'Let's Talk About Our Towns' public consultation in 2020. Intervention and improvement in Billingham town centre is necessary to achieve this vision.

Our investment in Billingham

We have led a number of programmes over the last 10 years to make Billingham a different type of place and experience

  • in 2011, we invested £18million in a large refurbishment of Billingham Forum and Theatre, to ensure a wide range of community and leisure facilities will remain in the town centre. The popular ice rink, swimming and gym facilities were kept in place and improved
  • we completed a £2million investment in 2013 to improve public spaces and paving in the town centre. This included new public toilets, new lighting and seating as well improvements to bus stops and parking
  • in 2014, we invested £3.5 million in the construction of a new customer service centre and library
  • a park and children's play equipment has been added to John Whitehead Park
  • recently, we also invested in improved seating in the theatre
  • we also support Billingham International Folklore Festival, which draws in new visitors to the town centre

Billingham's Levelling Up Fund bid

As part of the Stockton North constituency, Billingham is in the position to apply for £20million of funding from the Government's Levelling Up Fund.

Following an unsuccessful bid in round one in Autumn 2021, the bid has been refined and resubmitted for Round 2 of funding in July. A decision on this is expected in Autumn 2022.

There is clear alignment with ambitions for Billingham and the opportunity for Levelling Up funding. This provides a once in a generation opportunity for the town centre to be to reshaped and re purposed.

 

What happens next?

We have a commitment to take back control of Billingham town centre to guide the town's long-term development. This commitment was reiterated when Cabinet met in February 2022.

Further updates will be published on this website.