Treasury to consider Tees Valley as location for Green Investment Bank

Tees Valley is in the running to become the new administrative centre for the Government’s proposed ‘Green Investment Bank’ after Redcar MP, Ian Swales, put forward the case for Teesside in a letter to Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt. Hon George Osborne.

In his letter to the Chancellor, Mr Swales stressed the need for increased Government support to help the North East recover from the economic crisis and deal with the continuing high levels of unemployment.

Under the coalition Government’s proposals, the bank will be used to provide investment for ‘green’ projects such as upgrading ports to make them suitable for off-shore wind turbines.

In response to Mr Swales’ letter, Treasury Minister Justine Greening MP, confirmed that the Treasury were “open–minded to all options” for the location of the administrative centre, “including the Tees Valley”.

Commenting Mr Swales said:

“I’m delighted that Treasury Minister, Justine Greening, has agreed to consider Teesside as the administrative centre for the new Green Investment Bank, which if successful would provide a much needed injection of highly skilled jobs to the area.

 “Teesside has been badly neglected by the previous Government, which is why it is vital that it receives support to help rejuvenate the area.

“Choosing Teesside as the site for the Green Investment Bank would not only create jobs now, but would also provide the North East with stable, long term employment for many years to come.”

Liberal Democrats create £1bn fund for communities hit by cuts - Ian Swales

Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has launched a £1bn Regional Growth Fund to help communities that may be particularly affected by public spending cuts.

Liberal Democrat Ian Swales MP for Redcar has today described the move as a vital step in protecting jobs and promoting growth in the North East.

Commenting, Ian said:

“The reckless Labour government left the country nearly bankrupt, with an unprecedented challenge ahead.

“The Coalition Government has had to make incredibly difficult choices, but the Liberal Democrats are helping ensure that no community gets left behind.

“We can now deliver a more focussed approach in the North East and provide more business support, encourage entrepreneurs and protect jobs.”

Speaking in Bradford after the first regional Coalition Cabinet meeting, Nick Clegg said:

“The Regional Growth Fund will create the conditions for growth and enterprise by stimulating investment and creating sustainable private sector jobs.

“Alongside our commitment to waive some employment taxes for new businesses starting up in targeted regions of the country, this fund can make a real difference to companies during difficult times.”

EXHIBITION SHOWCASES REGENERATION PLANS

Residents of Coatham and Redcar are being encouraged to check out exciting plans for a £37m revival of part of Redcar – and have their say on how their community should be improved.

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council is holding a public exhibition next week on the proposals for the new swimming pool and leisure centre for Redcar and consultation session on its plans to improve the Coatham area.

The authority’s cabinet has given its backing to proposals to build a new swimming pool and leisure centre, ‘myplace’ young people’s arts and media centre, multi-storey car park, library, civic and community facilities.

The new scheme for a Civic Centre in Redcar replaces plans for new leisure facilities and 357 new homes, which were abandoned earlier this year after the Supreme Court ruled that part of the land earmarked for development is a village green.

The Council will host an exhibition at Redcar Library from Monday, June 28, to Friday, July 2, from 10am to 4pm each day.

Visitors will be able to ask questions and see the plans for themselves, ahead of work beginning next spring, subject to the necessary planning approval being gained.

The week will also provide residents and traders in the area with the chance to air their views on initial environmental improvements that are planned and suggest ideas about what they would like to see in the area.

The Council is eager to hear about any improvements that local people feel would benefit the area – and visitors to the library will have the chance to give their comments.

Redcar's new Leisure Centre to be sited between Kirkleatham Street and Ridley Street

A Multi-million pound regeneration scheme for Redcar has been given the go ahead today by Redcar and Cleveland Council.

 

The Council’s Cabinet held a special meeting to discuss options to invest in and develop the town and have agreed to:

 

· the creation of a ‘myplace’ arts and media centre for young people

 

. a leisure centre and swimming pool developed between Kirkleatham Street and Ridley Street

 

· a new library and civic and community facilities

 

· a multi-storey car park.

 

The total cost of the scheme, which will be developed in two phases, is projected to be £36.9 m, providing significant investment and job opportunities to the area.

 

The leisure centre facility will include a six lane, 25 metre swimming pool, leisure and children’s pool, eight court sports hall, junior gym and fitness suite and performance and dance areas.

Coatham Links future under spotlight

Fresh options for the multi-million pound Coatham Links regeneration scheme are to be considered tomorrow.

 

Initial proposals to bring new leisure facilities and hundreds of homes to the area were abandoned earlier this year after the Supreme Court ruled that part of the land earmarked for development at Coatham should be registered as a village green.

 

But Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s cabinet will meet on Friday, June 4, to assess two options designed to enhance the area, providing first-class swimming and leisure facilities.

 

One option for a £22.7m scheme would see a new leisure centre and swimming pool developed on the existing Coatham Links site, while the creation of the £5m ‘myplace’ arts and media centre for young people would go ahead as already planned.

 

The second proposition would involve building ‘myplace’ on the Coatham site, with a leisure centre and swimming pool developed between Kirkleatham Street and Ridley Street.

 

A second phase for the latter project would also include a new civic and community suite being established, with the entire scheme costing £36.9m.

 

The leisure centre aspect of both options would lead to a facility offering a six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, leisure and children’s pools, eight-court sports hall, junior gym and fitness suite, performance and dance areas.

 

Subject to approval being gained, work on either option could begin in Spring 2011.

 

The Council will also continue to seek alternative sites that could accommodate up to 350 new homes across the Borough, to satisfy demand for housing in Redcar.