Town to receive £20 million for 10-year revitalization project

Darlington has been granted 20 million to enhance local facilities and create improved opportunities for its residents. The funding comes from the government's Pride in Place initiative and will be invested over the next ten years.

The council has identified five neighborhoods considered most in need of support: Bank Top, Branksome, Northgate, Red Hall, and Skerne Park. Efforts to determine priorities involved consultations with over 2,000 local residents, highlighting areas for improvement such as youth services, increased policing and community wardens, enhanced public spaces, and better services for people with disabilities.

A preliminary plan from the council emphasizes that projects will focus on strengthening community wellbeing and making all neighborhoods desirable places to live. A neighborhood board, including residents, businesses, and local organizations, has been set up to oversee the creation of a ten-year regeneration strategy.

In Branksome, initiatives will concentrate on expanding youth services, while new community centers are planned for Northgate and Red Hall. Darlington is among 75 locations across the UK chosen for this program, which aims to rejuvenate areas facing long-standing social and economic challenges.

Author: Caleb Jennings