Businesses look forward to town centre purchase

Business owners are celebrating a council decision to approve buying parts of a "run down" town centre for £13m.

Members of Stockton Council approved a plan to buy areas of Billingham from private owner Sheet Anchor Evolve (SAE) on Wednesday.

Adrian Worth, owner of Billingham Boxing Academy, said it was "an exciting time for everyone in Billingham" which has brought businesses "a lot of hope".

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". SAE declined to comment on the process at this stage.

Manager of Astronaut pub in Billingham centre, Jordan Mulloy, said he was "excited to see what the future holds".

"I am pleased to hear that steps have been made towards redeveloping our town centre," he said.

Labour MP for the town Chris McDonald said private ownership had "failed to deliver" for nearly 20 years.

He said: "After years of waiting, we now have the chance to take back control of the town centre and get regeneration moving.

"It's time for the people of Billingham to have their say on how they want to see the town developed."

Worth, who previously raised concerns over the deterioration of the boxing gym premises, said the "boarded up buildings and underinvestment" had been no good for town morale.

"I hope for us it means we can get into new premises and provide the young people and users of our club with the kind of premises that reflect their hard work and a place they can be proud of."

The council valued the land and buildings at £10.75m, but it was felt meeting the asking price of £13m would allow work to move forward.

A council report said "all-encompassing" public sector intervention was needed to "reinvigorate and rejuvenate the town centre", improve its appearance, bring in more people and investment and instill pride.

It said the local authority considered factors including income, risks, legal advice and value for money in meeting SAE's asking price.

The council will use some of a £20m government grant to buy the land and draw up a full business case.

It will also use £10m of Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) funding for a second phase of regeneration.

Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram and listen to Radio Tees on BBC Sounds.