£20m vision to transform Jarrow into a place where people thrive

A community-led regeneration plan for Jarrow unlocking £20million of Government funding to transform the town and create new opportunities for young people has been backed by senior councillors.

- by Chris Binding

Jarrow is to receive Government funding to help with regeneration.

The Jarrow Forward neighbourhood board recently revealed a 10-year regeneration plan for the town which was produced after listening to the views of more than 1,000 residents and 500 young people, as well as community groups, businesses, schools, service providers and national funding organisations.

Jarrow Forward is made up of representatives of local groups and organisations, including Barbour, Bede's Helping Hands, the NHS ICB [Integrated Care Board], Kate Osborne MP, Tyne Coast College, Jarrow School, Nexus, Northumbria Police, Jarrow Sea Cadets, Big Local Jarrow and more.

Project bosses have said the new regeneration plan reflects the pride people feel for their historic town and their desire for fulfilling local jobs, cultural activities, leisure and sport facilities, shops and cafés and for things to do that will inspire and empower young people to take control of their own future.

The plans also include attracting more people into the town with environmental improvements, activities and events and more investment centred around a new play strategy for children, an "intergenerational creative centre" for young people and an employability hub for the 18+ age group.

The plan, which has the full support of Jarrow's MP Kate Osborne and South Tyneside Council, has already been submitted to the Government with the board partners expected to begin the first steps.

Those behind the scheme said this will include "visualising concepts", identifying additional funds and investment needed and "building community partnerships" to deliver the first projects in 2026.