High Streets Commission in the North East could be approved

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and leaders in the area are set to agree on a High Streets Commission to breathe new life into town centres.

This was a pledge in the mayor’s manifesto to ensure all areas across the North East benefit from investment.

If the North East Combined Authority Cabinet approves this, the commission will look at how retail, culture, housing, jobs, and public transport can be integrated to help these areas thrive.

This will also provide a focal point to attract new investment.

Mayor McGuinness said: “High streets are a crucial part of day-to-day life for people across the North East, not just for shopping, but as a place for people to come together, to work, enjoy our area’s rich culture or use public services.”

“While we have many beautiful, vibrant town centres across the region, the challenges facing many high streets are well-documented. ”

She added: “I promised in my manifesto to set up a High Streets Commission and today we are delivering on that. I’m determined we work together with local people to reverse that decline and restore pride in our places.

“We want to explore the art of the possible, reimagine what our villages and towns look like, and give communities the opportunity to shape their area’s future. That’s what real devolution looks like, so together, we can revitalise the North East and create more opportunity for local people.”

The North East Combined Authority’s Cabinet will receive a report recommending support for the commission.

A chair and terms of reference will be agreed upon in the spring, with an initial £850,000 investment proposed to back its work.