Plans revealed to transform Newcastle’s high streets

Plans to improve high streets in key shopping areas in Newcastle have been revealed.Just under £2m has been earmarked from the North of Tyne Combined Authority’s £6m Town and High Street Innovation Programme to create the two-year programme which will improve high streets on Chillingham Road, Heaton Road, Heaton Park Road, Shields Road and part of Welbeck Road.The scheme will look to bring empty properties back into use, provide support for local traders and create greener and more attractive public spaces.The first phase of the development, called Newcastle East – Inclusive, Healthy, Vibrant High Streets, will focus on public engagement and find out what people working and living in the area would like to see improved.Cllr Alex Hay, cabinet member for a resilient city, said: “Local high streets are the heart of our communities, and when they thrive, our communities thrive. We’re delighted that we have this investment which will focus on revitalising local neighbourhoods in the east end, improving the lives for people who live and work there.”What is really exciting about this project, is that it will be shaped by local people for local people, telling us what they want to see in their local high streets, and teams from across the council will be working together to make that possible. Whether it is designing a pocket park, reclaiming use of public space, improving connectivity for people walking or cycling, or creating community hubs for everyone to enjoy by taking over empty buildings”He added: “We’ll also be providing support to local businesses, to help them thrive and grow and create more sustainable greener businesses, which benefits everyone. But this is only the start, this programme will unlock the potential for further investment and create a much-needed long-term future plan for the area.”Cllr Carl Johnson, deputy mayor of North Tyneside Council and North of Tyne Combined Authority Cabinet Member for investment, said: “The North of Tyne Combined Authority and local authorities are tackling issues that affect local communities directly, by speaking to our residents across the region.”Nowhere is this more true than in our Towns and High Streets Programme, where each of our local authorities will be listening to communities in Ashington, the Inner East of Newcastle, and Wallsend to test new models for high street transformation.”Our high streets are the hub of community activity, from cafés to local shops where people meet and chat and share time together. We want people to enjoy their local spaces and their growing communities and this investment will enrich vibrant forms of civic life and social and community action.”