Middlesbrough and North Shields high streets earmarked for revival in Government plan

The high streets of two North East towns are set to be rejuvenated after being included in a £95 million Government scheme aimed at reviving England’s traditional shopping landscape.

Middlesbrough and North Shields are part of the Government’s #HistoricHighStreets campaign.

Ministers said the project will “help breathe new life into high streets all over England” and create more attractive places to live, work and visit, while helping retailers fight back against the increasing threat of online shopping.

They added Middlesbrough and North Shields will become two of 69 designated High Street Heritage Action Zones, with £92 million of the funding provided by the Government and overseen by Historic England.

A further £3 million will come from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support a cultural programme focused on engaging people in the life and history of their high streets.

Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan said: “Our nation’s heritage is one of our great calling cards to the world, attracting millions of visitors to beautiful historic buildings that sit at the heart of our communities.

“It is right that we ensure these buildings are preserved for future generations, but it is important that we make them work for the modern world.”

The improvements to Middlesbrough, pictured, and North Shields will form part of a wider £17.2 million commitment from the Government to the North East and Yorkshire.

Work on high streets in Hexham and Northallerton, North Yorkshire, is also included in the Government’s plans.

The North West received the most money for improvements, with £18.7 million earmarked for development.