Town refurbishment moves forward

Up to £54m could be spent on Billingham's redevelopment

Up to £54m could be spent on the redevelopment of a Teesside town centre to attract more shoppers.

Stockton Council has announced it is considering selling its stake in Billingham town centre.

This would allow developer, Halladale, to prepare plans for a revamp and give the local authority more money to invest in local leisure facilities.

Halladale already owns 58 shops in the town centre and Stockton Council owns the rest of the retail space.

The council will make a decision on whether to sell its stake at a meeting on 4 January.