£167 million boost to the economy and 1,700+ jobs in Redcar and Cleveland

Increase in visitors results in £167 million boost to the economy and 1,700+ jobs in Redcar and Cleveland

Increase in visitors results in £167 million boost to the economy and 1,700+ jobs in Redcar and Cleveland

REDCAR and Cleveland welcomed an increasing number of visitors to a staggering 3.74 million in 2017, spending £167 million and supporting more than 1,700 jobs throughout the borough.

The latest figures (for 2017), calculated by Global Solutions on behalf of the Tees Valley Combined Authority, reveal:

·         3.74 million people visited Redcar and Cleveland – an increase of 5.6% from 2016

·         £167 million spent on tourist related activities – a further increase of 5% on 2016

·         1,749 people directly employed in tourism – an increase of 4%. When indirect employment in the supply chain is taken into account total employment stands at 2,197, up by 4.5% on 2016

·         4.18 million ‘visitor days’ – a further increase of 5% on 2016

·         327,000 overnight visitors, representing a £50 million spend - an increase of 2.7% on 2016

·         3.4 million day visitors, representing a £118 million spend – an increase of 6% on 2016

·         The Food and Drink sector accounts for 34% of all spend and 36% of all employment

The percentage increases are broadly in line with the rest of the Tees Valley which saw an overall increase of 6% in visitor numbers to 19.76 million and a 5% increase in spend to £923.41 million.

Councillor Carl Quartermain, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Communications, said: “This is really great news.

“A large part of our economy is dependent on tourism so we’re thrilled to see it thriving. But we aren’t resting on our laurels.  There’s always more we can do.

“The figures show most of our visitors come only for the day. We want them to stay overnight, to experience more of what we have to offer and frankly, to spend more money while they’re here.

“Our ‘Welcome to’ support scheme provides match funding for hotels and B & B’s in the borough to bring unused rooms into use to create more bed spaces for visitors. The more hotel rooms we have, the more people can stay.

“We’ve also recently launched a new place marketing campaign, in partnership with local business and other organisations, to show the benefits of Redcar and Cleveland as a great place to live, enjoy and do business. We’ve got a great new website and active social media feeds to show off the best of our borough.

“As a borough with a coast on one side and stunning countryside on the other, we have a unique offer here in Redcar and Cleveland. We’re keen to share it with as many people as possible.”

To find out more about what Redcar and Cleveland has to offer visitors and tourists, visit: www. redcarcleveland.co.uk/enjoy 

Hotel and B&B owners interested in the 'Welcome to' funding opportunity should call 01642 444494 or email: placeinvestment@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk.

FREE Christmas Parking across Redcar and Cleveland

All council-operated car parks and on-street parking bays across the Redcar and Cleveland will be FREE for motorists after 1pm every day from Tuesday 6 November 2018.

What a great way to encourage people to shop local!
Local shops support local high streets, employ local people and are often owned and managed by our friends and neighbours.

Councillor Bob Norton, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, said: “Free afternoon parking has become a Christmas tradition here in Redcar and Cleveland and I’m thrilled we’re able to spread a little seasonal joy once again. 

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“We’ve got great shops throughout the borough to suit everyone, from major retailers to locally-owned independents. There’s something for everyone in Redcar and Cleveland.”

For more information on the free parking scheme motorists should refer to notices in each council car park or go to www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/parking.​​

So why not put the tablet down and do some real shopping in your community?

For a complete list of car parks offering free afternoon parking, visit: www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/parking.

Parking charges still apply between 8am and 1pm.
Normal charges will resume on Monday 7 January 2019.

Rethinking Parks in Redcar and Cleveland draws in £194,000 in funding

Rethinking Parks in Redcar and Cleveland

PARK users in Redcar and Cleveland can look forward to a bright future as Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council has today voted in favour of establishing a new Foundation to manage eight much-loved parks. The Council has secured £194,000 in funding to form a Parks Foundation from Rethinking Parks, a joint project between The Big Lottery, The Heritage Lottery Fund, and Nesta, supporting park innovators across the UK to adapt to changing circumstances. The Park Foundation, made up of trustees from the community, local businesses and the Council, will take over the day-to-day management of Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park, Guisborough Forest and Walkway, Eston Recreation Ground, Locke Park, Zetland Park, Borough Park, King George V Playing Fields and Marshall Drive Playing Fields, Brotton.

While the Council will remain the owner of the parks, the Foundation will deliver maintenance, litter picking and be responsible for future developments and all commercial activity such as cafes and events. The Parks Foundation will have greater autonomy over commercial endeavours to raise revenue and can access funding unavailable to a Council, such as grants, corporate sponsorship, individual donations and crowdfunding. The Council has committed to financially supporting the Foundation with the budget for maintenance which will remain at its current level.

Councillor Alec Brown, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Fifty local authorities put in a bid to Nesta for funding, and we were one of only eight to receive a financial award. “Our aim is to create community-led parks, parks that are run by local people and businesses to the benefit of the local community. Nesta recognised the strong working partnership we already have with the park’s Friends groups and voluntary sector, and clearly consider our Foundation proposal to be a workable solution to securing the ongoing future of the parks. “Of course we can’t do this alone so we’ve consulted with Friends groups associated with the parks, Groundworks North East, Beyond Housing, sports clubs like New Marske Harriers and Redcar Football Club, charities such as The Junction Foundation and Age UK and several leading businesses including PD Ports and MGT Teesside.They’re all on board with the project and we’re keen to move forward with the next phase which is the formation of the Park Foundation itself.”

Amy Solder, Project lead at Nesta, said: “Parks are wonderful free public resources that communities treasure. “They support health and wellbeing as well as provide spaces for socialising, play, activity and a connection to nature. Nesta aims to help parks, and the people who run them, to innovate to keep them free, open and truly valued community spaces. “Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s proposal reflected our ambitions by putting people at the heart of a bold and ambitious parks foundation to creating vibrant parks at the centre of their communities." It’s envisaged that the Parks Foundation will include a management board made up of local stakeholders, including businesses wishing to work on the project as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility by supplying finance, staff time or specialist services. Formation of the Parks Foundation will begin in January 2020