Stockton Council approves £13m Billingham town centre purchase

Summarised from BBC Tees's report · Updated 5 Nov, 22:50 · Archive

Stockton Council has approved buying parts of Billingham town centre from private owner Sheet Anchor Evolve for £13 million.

Stockton Council cabinet approved the proposal to buy areas of Billingham town centre described as 'run down' on Wednesday. Business owners have responded positively to the decision. Adrian Worth, owner of Billingham Boxing Academy, called it 'an exciting time for everyone in Billingham' which has brought businesses 'a lot of hope'. Jordan Mulloy, manager of the Astronaut pub, said he was 'excited to see what the future holds'.

The council's deputy leader Paul Rowling said he hoped the purchase would allow the authority to make the town centre 'something local people can be proud of'. Labour MP for the town Chris McDonald said private ownership had 'failed to deliver' for nearly 20 years and that the purchase gave the town 'the chance to take back control of the town centre and get regeneration moving'. Worth said the 'boarded up buildings and underinvestment' had been damaging to town morale. Sheet Anchor Evolve declined to comment on the process.

Read the report

• Businesses look forward to town centre purchaseAdrian Worth, of Billingham Boxing Academy, says the deal brings hope and excitement to the town.BBC Tees · 5 Nov, 17:11

In this story: Stockton Council · Billingham · Sheet Anchor Evolve · Adrian Worth · Paul Rowling · Chris McDonald · Jordan Mulloy

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