Billingham’s town centre is slated for a £20 million revamp, approved by the local council, to transform its appearance.
Locals have waited a long time for this change. One council member urged quick action, while another said it’s the right path. A third welcomed the project and joked about getting a big store.
Billingham sits north of the River Tees in County Durham. The plans involve knocking down West Precinct and removing the Kingsway West car park. Evolve Estates owns the town center.
Boyes store will move into a new, three-story building on Queensway. The Half Moon pub will also relocate to a new spot on Town Square.
A ground-level parking lot is planned with 182 spaces. Officials stated that they will upgrade the buildings’ fronts, creating a unified look.
A new building is also in the plans, potentially for shops or medical services. According to the developer, public spaces will also see improvements.
Evolve says the goal is to boost Billingham with a more attractive and modern center. They envision a place that suits residents, shops, and visitors, noting that empty buildings currently detract from the town.
The council decided to buy and clear West Precinct in June, including the old library and Queensway South. They will move tenants and build homes, along with commercial space.
A representative from Evolve spoke to the committee, stating they have worked with the council. The council got government funding to improve things, and this application starts the redevelopment process.
The project will greatly benefit the area; removing West Precinct allows further building. They plan around 160 homes to be built there.
Two new shops are planned for Queensway, revitalizing the town center. One will be the relocated Boyes, and these new spaces suit national retailers.
Two letters mentioned concerns about fewer parking spaces and problems with ramp demolition. Toilet access was another concern, and the pub’s outdoor area was also questioned.
The planning officer said the project is acceptable overall and recommended approval with certain conditions attached.