A North East council has approved plans for a new job hub in the town centre, as several buildings are set to be demolished.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council approved plans to demolish existing buildings in Temperance Square, Loftus, and build a new single-storey employment and skills hub last week (February 2).

The project aims to tackle unemployment within Loftus and the wider East Cleveland areas, while encouraging new businesses as well as increasing the number of training and skills courses on offer.

The building will be purpose built to achieve these goals, and the council will work with Jobcentre Plus and Beyond Housing to ensure their success.

Read more: Loftus: Old Co-op Community Building closes after 12 years

The Northern Echo:

Speaking on this development, Cllr Chris Gallacher, cabinet member for Economic Growth at the Council, said: “It’s fantastic that this project has been approved allowing us to open an Employment and Skills Hub in Loftus.

"Our aim is to provide employment opportunities for local people as well as make it easier for residents to upskill and start their own businesses.

“Each project we deliver for Loftus will transform the area into a modern market town creating a more vibrant place for all who work, live and visit here.”

So far, a total of £1.8million of the Future High Streets Fund has been dedicated to this scheme, as well as £760,000 from the Indigenous Growth Fund administered by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.

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Meanwhile, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said the council was committed to investing in its town centres, and had been left pleased by the project.

He said: "As well as helping to drive forward huge, transformational projects, we’ve also dedicated funding like this to breathe new life into our town centres, and I’m delighted this project has been approved to do just that.

“As well as improving Loftus, it will help local people to access the good-quality jobs we’re creating right across our area, complementing our work elsewhere – such as the Teesworks Skills Academy – to make sure everyone can succeed.”