The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded £3.5 million towards four regeneration projects in North East England.

The High Street in Skelton-in-Cleveland, North Yorkshire will undergo a £952,200 revamp featuring the reinstatement of shopfronts, sash windows and doors including improvements to the public realm.

Newcastle's City Pools Buildings will be redeveloped in a £961,400 scheme which will see one of the pool halls bought back into use with the Turkish baths refurbished and reopened. In addition, the second pool hall will be converted into a fitness facility, a new café will be created and the City Hall building will remain a concert and performance venue.

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The third project [£797,000] is to take place at Northumberland's Morpeth railway station and will see the building brought back into use. Station facilities will be improved including a new cafe, while the building itself will be restored. Unused space will become home to small and start-up businesses, creating employment opportunities and a sustainable future for the station.

Finally, Thornaby Town Council has received £863,100 to transform Thornaby Town Hall into a key space for volunteers, businesses, events and exhibitions and community groups.

Access to the building will be improved including ramped entranceways and a lift. Exterior and interior repairs will secure the future of the clock tower, balconies and balustrades, decorative ceilings and other historic features.

Ivor Crowther, Head of HLF North East, said: "We are delighted to be able to support all of these projects which will benefit people, boost local economies and protect our region's heritage. Many of these buildings are loved because of their distinctive architecture or for the role they once played in their communities. I look forward to seeing these buildings develop to once again be a focal point in community life."

[Pictured: Thornaby Town Hall]

(LM/CD)