Despite promising to buy back the town centre in February 2021 with £10million SBC funding (before levelling up funding was even available to bid for) it’s clear to see that not a lot has happened, with rumours running rife.

A deal was “agreed”?! in June 2024 to buy back part of the town centre for redevelopment works and since then…nothing!?

Now we are being informed that Evolve want out and are looking to sell ALL the town centre?! And potentially this could be holding the taxpayer to ransom!

It’s frustrating as previously we were told that a consultation couldn’t happen as there was timelines for the funding to be spent (Which has now clearly past) We were told the plan can’t change, albeit originally it was to build a supermarket and now it’s to build houses. Lots of Words and little actions!

We’ve seen elsewhere this labour council try and steal money from other levelling up funding/town fund projects like in Yarm, in order to fix the financial mess they’ve made - let’s hope they don’t get away with setting this precedent and don’t try to do the same with Billingham’s money.

So sadly, we are still in the dark, and still no further forward

If we hear anything else, we will let you know.

Thank you as always for your passion and love of our town and community.