A new swimming pool, NETA training facility and park and cycle improvements - key priorities for Thornaby Town Deal to be submitted to Government

Ambitious proposals to transform Thornaby as part of its £23.9million Town Deal are set to be submitted to Government, including a new swimming pool in the town centre and the relocation of NETA Training Group.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is to submit business case documents setting out priority interventions that are set to bring long term change and investment into Thornaby. 

The interventions have been identified and supported by Thornaby Town Deal Board, which is made up of a range of local stakeholders from public and private sector bodies, including Thornaby councillors.

Demolition of the vacant Phoenix House building will enable the creation of a new swimming pool which will connect into the existing Pavilion leisure centre.

Once complete, the existing Thornaby Pool will close, ensuring continuity of provision and a modern, fit for purpose leisure offering for the town.

Also included in proposals is the relocation of prestigious training facility NETA, which is part of the Education Training Collective (Etc), from its existing location in Portrack Lane to a 6,000sqm modern, purpose-built facility as part of a redeveloped site adjacent to Stockton Riverside College in Thornaby-on-Tees.

A series of improvements to Victoria Park and Community Centre and investment in 'Safer Streets' in North Thornaby through home improvements, alley gates and CCTV are also being proposed.

A more joined up network of cycle routes is also being planned, running from Thornaby Station and Stockton Riverside College, through the northern section of Thornaby through Alison Trainer Park, the town centre, Trenchard Avenue and Thornaby Road. Connecting with existing cycle infrastructure in the south.

Taking control of the Golden Eagle site in Thornaby Town Centre also remains a priority for the Town Deal Board, with negotiations underway. 

The priorities, identified and supported by the Town Deal Board, will be considered at the Council's Cabinet Meeting on Thursday 21 April. If agreed, the Council will submit the business case documentation to Government in May.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "The creation of these interventions is the next step in our journey to delivering the change that the people of Thornaby want to see. 

"A new swimming pool will expand Thornaby's town centre offering to include a brand-new facility attached to the Pavilion. It's a prime location in the heart of the town and is sure to be a significant footfall generator.

"It's also fantastic to be able to work in partnership with NETA and Stockton Riverside College to bring such a fantastic training facility to Thornaby.

"These proposals, along with an improved cycle link and improvements to North Thornaby are sure to create real transformational change in the town."

Thornaby was identified as one of 101 towns to be included as part of the Government's Town Deal programme in 2019.

The Town Deal Board has been working over the last year to develop the interventions that were based on the four priorities that were the basis of the Town Investment Plan:

• Tackle long term vacant properties in town centre to enable new development and change of use
• Support to enhance the delivery of skills training for Thornaby residents, linked to further education provision
• Deliver new footpath and cycle infrastructure linking Thornaby Station, college, town centre and key residential areas and employment sites
• Address poor quality housing in North Thornaby

Mark White OBE DL, Chair of the Thornaby Town Deal Board, said: "I am thrilled that following the development of the four key priorities from the Town Investment Plan that we have reached this conclusion. These interventions show that there is a bright future ahead for Thornaby.

"The proposed interventions show the level of ambition and hard work from all of the Town Deal Board Members over the last year. These plans will provide long-lasting benefits to key areas in Thornaby and are sure to secure its future success."

Phil Blewitt, Managing Director, NETA Training Group added: "NETA Training is known for its long history of delivering real skills for real jobs on Teesside and beyond, and the proposed move from its existing facility into purpose-built premises will see that offer expanded to further meet the changing skills demands of employers.

"NETA has also seen increased demand from both further education students and commercial clients in recent years, so this proposal will enable us to support more local people onto their next steps and to continue to achieve in their careers."

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