Residents Reminded to Talk About their Town

More than 1,200 people have already given their views about the regeneration of South Shields town centre.

And residents are reminded that they have just a few days left to join the 'Conversation'.

South Tyneside Council launched a six-week public consultation period last month, asking people how and why they use the town centre, as well as seeking ideas and suggestions for its future.

The town centre has been divided into five 'zones' for discussion: Mill Dam, New College, Town Centre, Coronation Street, and Southern Gateway.

The consultation outlines the strengths, challenges and opportunities facing each area, and potential options for regeneration and development have been identified.

Cllr Margaret Meling, Lead Member for Economic Growth, Skills and Climate Change, said: "We've had a great response so far, but for anyone who's not yet had their say, there are only a few days left.

"This is an exciting opportunity to give your views about the future of the town centre.

"There are suggestions for each zone to gauge people's opinions and stimulate feedback and there are some elements which are fixed and some which can change.

"We know from the responses we've had so far that people really value green spaces and would like to see an improved public realm and smart shop fronts.

"They also feel that housing is needed in the town centre, and the majority of those who responded feel that the relocated college will increase footfall, lead to a livelier town centre and better opportunities for businesses.

"This is about gathering information to help inform a masterplan, which will be a live, evolving document, flexible enough to react to changing markets and local and national circumstances.

"Over the last decade, the council has invested significantly and created the infrastructure and environment to generate confidence in the private sector to invest. We will continue to do that, unlocking land for development and focusing on our public realm, while acting as enable and influencer."

There have been a series of drop-in events and a coffee cart in the town centre, as well as an online survey.

Cllr Meling added: "This is all part of our new approach, we want to work collectively with local people, listening to and prioritising their views and having an evidence base on which to inform decisions.

"We want residents and businesses to be at the heart of discussions about the future of their town and so we'd encourage as many people as possible to get involved. We are looking forward to hearing their views and ideas."

This is likely to be the first in series of 'South Tyneside Conversations', with further consultations and masterplanning for Hebburn and Jarrow planned next year.

The consultation will close on Sunday 20 November. To give your views, visit https://ourconversation.co.uk/have-your-say/