Plans to knock down multi-storey car park in Newton Aycliffe remain on the table
The multi-storey car park in Newton Aycliffe was closed over health and safety concerns and a decision was made to redevelop the town centre
by Evening Chronicle · ChronicleLivePlans to knock down a multi-storey car park in Newton Aycliffe are still being considered, despite a setback in securing funds for the town's regeneration project.
The car park, which was shut due to health and safety issues, played a central role in the vision to revamp the town centre.
Officials had hoped to transform the site into a bus interchange and surface-level parking, improving access for those visiting the area.
Last year, Durham County Council shared its intention to demolish the structure if it managed to secure government funding. The council aimed to utilise Levelling Up funds to rejuvenate the neglected site as part of broader improvements to the town centre, but their bid for financial support was unsuccessful.
Nevertheless, the council continues to express its commitment to pursuing the redevelopment plans.
Before its closure, the car park offered hundreds of spaces and served as a gateway to local shops, but it has now been deemed to have reached the "end of its life".
A masterplan by Durham County Council highlighted: "The demolition of the car park has the potential to provide a sizable development plot alongside the existing surface car parking immediately adjacent."
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The proposed overhaul of the town centre also pinpointed several key challenges and opportunities that need addressing.
Among these are the town centre's layout, the prevalence of empty units and buildings, the substandard quality of retail and leisure facilities, and the necessity for a more diverse mix of uses, according to the council's statement.
"Many of these issues have been further magnified by the Covid-19 pandemic and wider trends in the retail and leisure industry. The nature and extent of these challenges mean that a radical approach is required to reinvigorate the centre."
Part of the masterplan also includes tearing down unoccupied buildings on Beveridge Way and relocating current businesses to establish a town centre development zone.
Durham County Council's economic development manager, Graham Wood, commented: "While the Levelling Up bid was unsuccessful, we continue to work closely with the owner on how they can continue their long-term regeneration plans for Newton Aycliffe. These plans include the demolition of the multi-storey car park and re-use of the site."
Attempts were made to reach Aycliffe Town Centre, the car park's proprietors, for a statement, but they did not provide a response.