Support for pop-ups and stalls, sprucing up frontages for high street shops and an augmented reality trail are among the ways a £2m pot of money will be spent.
North Tyneside Council’s cabinet has approved the allocation of the cash earmarked for the regeneration of Wallsend town centre. The money, from North of Tyne Combined Authority, will be spread over five projects.
£350,000 will go towards business support for small businesses including pop-ups and stalls on Wallsend High Street. The cash will also pay for business advice and signposting for digital advice.
£120,000 is set aside to improve the shop windows and shutters for businesses to, according to council documents, “ enhance the look of the High Streets”. A design team will also be set up to help business owners keep their new storefronts in keeping with the area.
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£100,000 is dedicated to the creation of “augmented reality trails” between Segedunum, the town centre, and Richardson Dees park as part of the Wallsend Animation Programme.
The lack of connectivity between Segedunum and the rest of Wallsend will be addressed with a new route for pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users. Council documents stated the new route would enable people using Route 72 Hadrian’s Way, “quick and easy access” to the Metro station.
This project has been allocated £1,280,000. £50,000 will be used to highlight the retail offerings in Wallsend town centre and attempt to increase footfall with exhibits, virtual reality and souvenirs.
The cash injection is also geared towards job creation and making Wallsend an attractive location for growing enterprises.
Chirton councillor Hannah Johnson said: “I’m really pleased we are putting jobs at the centre of the regeneration in Wallsend. I know this was something the adult education team were really excited about some of the opportunities we could have coming out of the Masterplan.
Mayor Norma Redfearn said: “This is a really exciting thing and with no match funding. They have given it to us to do it, and do something positive for the people in those areas.
“I look forward to seeing what will happen”.
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