Urban & Rural Renaissance Initiative

There are many attractive towns and villages in the county that contribute to its distinctive character. Many of these have suffered economic decline following the closure of traditional industries. Regeneration of these settlements is vital to attract new investment and to give confidence to local communities. The County Council is developing a new programme of regeneration with a wide range of partners, particularly the district councils, to promote sustainable regeneration which benefits local people, the local economy and the environment.

People, Places, Futures

The Urban & Rural Renaissance Programme aims to improve the vitality of many of the County's smaller towns and villages.

Efforts will be concentrated on physical improvements to the centre of settlements i.e. streets, footpaths, green areas and buildings. Traffic and pedestrian safety, public transport facilities will also be improved.

However, this is also a valuable opportunity to look at the other issues which affect the quality of life for those who live and work in the communities where the work is to take place.

Working with People

It is important to ensure that the proposals are discussed and agreed with the people who live and work in the places earmarked for improvement. Any work which does not have the support of local people cannot be successful.

To Develop Ideas

All the County's towns and villages are different, and the improvements must be designed in response to these individual circumstances. A standard approach would not be appropriate.

To Create Better Places

In the 21st Century the social, environmental and economic balance is very different from the period which saw the development of the County's towns and villages, especially the rapid expansion in the late 1800s and early 1900s driven by mining and industry.

The future of these villages depends on them responding to change to suit the new conditions. The Urban and Rural Renaissance Programme aims to help people make their towns and villages better places for the future.

Working with People in Towns & Villages to Develop Ideas to Create Better Places for the Future

Who?

Durham County Council will lead the programme - but is committed to working with a wide range of partners and will involve all stakeholders in the process - most importantly the people who live and work in the places which will be improved.

What?

The first stage will be to analyse existing information about settlements. The next stage will be discussion with all parties, leading to the development of an agreed plan for the works.

Where?

A list of priority settlements, based on a study of need which looked at social, environmental and economic factors, was been agreed by the Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs) and County Council Cabinet in June 2003.

This initiative will focus on the market towns of Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, Crook and Middleton in Teesdale and the major centres of Chester-le-Street, Durham City, Seaham, Spennymoor and Stanley. The following small towns and villages have also been selected:

Annfield Plain, Bearpark, Catchgate, Chilton, Cockfield, Cornforth, Coundon, Coundon Grange, Craghead, Esh Winning, Evenwood/Ramshaw, Ferryhill/Dean Bank, Ferryhill Station, Grange Villa, Horden, Leadgate, New Brancepeth, Pelton, Pelton Fell, Sacriston, Shotton Colliery, South Moor, St Helens Auckland/West Auckland, The Trimdons, Thornley, Tow Law, Ushaw Moor, Wheatbottom/Crook, Wheatley Hill, Willington.

A programme for Neighbourhood Improvement Schemes has also been agreed.

When?

The Urban and Rural Renaissance Initiative is a 5 year programme, which commenced in April 2003. It concentrates on the above towns and villages in years 1 to 3 and other areas will be considered as the initiative develops.

For more information on the regeneration of settlements, please contact the Urban and Rural Renaissance Team at County Hall or phone 0191 3834196.