皇冠体育app

• Chancellor visits County Durham tourist attraction to see how 拢20 million Government investment will develop a heritage railway line.
• Residents will benefit from 18km cycling and walking route, connecting rural communities to employment and educational opportunities.
• Funding will also reopen the UK鈥檚 oldest road suspension bridge, and reroute the A68 Bypass near Bishop Auckland, to improve journey times.

Rishi Sunak toured the Locomotion tourist attraction in Shildon 鈥� the world鈥檚 first railway town - to see where 拢20 million of government investment will fund a second building to house its collection. It will also deliver improvements so that heritage engines can run along the museum line, helping to boost jobs and the economy.

皇冠体育app area will also benefit from a 18km walking and cycling route alongside the railway, further connecting rural communities to jobs and education in Bishop Auckland and Newton Aycliffe.

This is one of the five projects in the North East of England to receive a share of 拢100 million from the 拢1.7 billion first round of the Levelling Up Fund, as announced by the Chancellor in October鈥檚 Budget.

Following his visit, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said:

We are absolutely committed to levelling up opportunities across the whole of the UK so people have good jobs and greater opportunities.

It鈥檚 fantastic to see how our 拢20 million investment will enhance this popular tourist attraction. This will boost access for rural communities so they can enjoy the area鈥檚 rich railway heritage and connect people to key transport links nearby.

Once complete, Locomotion Building 2 will house up to 50 rail vehicles, expanding the museum鈥檚 collection to 120. This will create the UK鈥檚 largest rail vehicle display, spread across the museum鈥檚 two buildings.

Durham County Council鈥檚 successful Levelling Up Fund bid will also support the reopening of Whorlton Bridge, the UK鈥檚 oldest road suspension bridge, linking nearby villages to the A66 and A67.

A visitor centre will also be developed to celebrate the bridge鈥檚 transport heritage. In addition, funding will allow the rerouting of the A68 at Toft Hill, near Bishop Auckland, to improve journey times and the quality of life for village residents.

This all builds on the Towns Fund awards announced for the region, totalling 拢53 million for Bishop Auckland, including one of the largest Town Deals in the country. That investment will provide infrastructure to support the town鈥檚 development as a visitor destination, as well as a range of other improvements.

Further information:

• 皇冠体育app first round of the Levelling Up fund announced at the Budget, will invest 拢1.7 billion in 105 local infrastructure projects across the UK. 皇冠体育app full list of successful projects are here.
• Photos are available on the Treasury鈥檚 Flickr page.