Durham post-war town centre buildings flattened
- Published
One of Britain's original new towns in County Durham is to undergo a major redevelopment programme.
Newton Aycliffe, which was built in 1947, was the brainchild of reformer William Beveridge who inspired the Welfare State and National Health Service.
At the time the buildings were hailed as a blueprint for the future but now the town is in need of regeneration.
An old city centre health centre was demolished on Tuesday.
The regeneration will take about five years to complete and will include new works of arts and green landscaping.
Redundant buildings will also be demolished, the library and health facilities will be relocated and new shops built.
Town MP Phil Wilson said: "It is great to see it all coming together, this is the future of Newton Aycliffe and we have been waiting a long time for this."