Derelict building razed to make way for community garden

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Derelict building razed to make way for community garden

Published April 02, 2024 10.55am

The ongoing transformation of a County Durham town is gathering pace, with the demolition of derelict buildings creating space for a new walled garden.

We have acquired three pieces of land for regeneration in Spennymoor over the last 12 months, as part of our commitment to revitalising towns and villages across the county.

The demolition of five derelict units in Cheapside is expected to take a further seven weeks and will allow the creation of a new community garden where residents and visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of the town centre.

This builds upon work already undertaken in the marketplace and former Festival Walk shopping area of Spennymoor, which has been funded by our Towns and Villages and town centre capital programmes. Along with the creation of a new car park in 2021, recent enhancements have included the installation of new paving, bollards, seating and bespoke lighting to help create a more vibrant atmosphere.

Funding award

The demolition also coincides with the appointment of Alan Boddy as the independent Chair of the new Spennymoor Long Term Plan for Towns (LTPT) board. Made up of community ambassadors, businesspeople, councillors and representatives from local organisations, the board will oversee the delivery of the new investment plan following confirmation Spennymoor has been awarded £20 million from the Government's Long Term Plan for Towns Fund.

Investing in regeneration

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, our Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "We want towns and villages across County Durham to thrive and we are committed to investing in regeneration schemes that will make a positive difference for years to come.

"This is certainly the motivation behind the work we are undertaking in Spennymoor, where a combination of public realm enhancements and the creation of new and improved amenities are helping to revitalise this important part of the town centre.

"It's fantastic the demolition of the derelict units in Cheapside is now underway. This will allow for the creation of a walled garden, which will provide a safe and welcoming place for residents and visitors of all ages to enjoy."

Enhanced facilities

Other recent investment by the council in Spennymoor includes a major refurbishment of the town's leisure centre, which now incorporates the library, as well as an upgraded swimming pool and a new children's soft play area and café.

The third phase of the regeneration scheme will see the demolition of the former library and garage buildings later this spring.