Call for Jarrow Residents to Help Shape the Future of their Town

The people of Jarrow are being asked to share their vision for the future of the town as part of a 12-week community engagement exercise to shape a plan for investment.

£20m in government funding has been secured to be spent on Jarrow over the next 10 years. Views are now being sought to identify new opportunities and find out how local people would like to see upcoming investment used to improve the town.

Jarrow Forward, a Neighbourhood Board made up of organisations, employers, schools, business, the MP for Jarrow & Gateshead East and the Council, is asking local people what their priorities for the area are to help create a plan for the next ten years and beyond.

Susan Wear, chair of Jarrow Forward, said: "Our town's achievements have changed the world over the centuries and continue to do so today.

"We know that Jarrow's many assets, in businesses, sports, culture and heritage, have the potential to develop creativity, skills, confidence and ambition among our children and young people, but it will require investment in buildings, people and connectivity.

"We now have a real chance to turn around the fortunes of Jarrow itself and make it a place of opportunity for everyone." 

The 12-week community engagement runs from 5 March 2025 until 28 May 2025. Anyone living, working or at school in the NE32 postcode is welcome to get involved and contribute to the future of Jarrow online or in person over the engagement period.

Residents are being asked for their views of Jarrow and their ideas of what they would like to see in the future.

Cllr Margaret Meling, Lead Member for Economic Growth and Transport at South Tyneside Council, said: "The £20m funding is a stepping stone to long term change for Jarrow and it is hoped, will attract further investment to the area. Local communities know their towns and neighbourhoods better than anyone else and this is an exciting opportunity for people to influence the future of Jarrow.

"We know residents have a real sense of pride, particularly of the town's history and heritage, and will want to see the investment used to fulfil Jarrow's potential, so we'd encourage as many people as possible to get involved."

Jarrow Forward will work with local and central government, as well as national partners, to develop and implement a long term, sustainable plan for the next ten years and beyond.

Paul Atkinson, head teacher at Jarrow School, said: "We want to bring the whole community together to create a vision that could create transformational opportunities for all of our residents, though most importantly focussing on the current generation of young people.

"That's why we especially need our young people, who will be growing up, getting a job and building their own futures in the next ten years, to take part now and tell us what they think will improve their chances to be the best they can be in Jarrow."

Anyone who lives or works in Jarrow, has a business located in Jarrow, goes to school in the town or uses its many facilities can take part by visiting www.ourconversation.co.uk/yourjarrow.

There will also be workshop events at community and volunteer organisations, focus groups and other activities in schools and in the town centre. Residents can call into Jarrow Focus or their nearest community centre to to pick up a printed version of the survey and find out more.

Everyone who takes part has a chance to win a One4All £100 voucher.

Kate Osborne MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East said: "Our Neighbourhood Board, Jarrow Forward have done some brilliant prep work already and can now to press ahead with plans to ensure the £20million funding is spent in areas that will revive Jarrow and make a lasting change in our community."