Your Jarrow - engagement and consultation South Tyneside Council

Great news for Jarrow

Jarrow has secured £20 million government funding to make our town even better for everyone - residents, young people, and businesses alike.

Jarrow Forward, a Neighbourhood Board made up of organisations, employers, schools, business, the MP for Jarrow & Gateshead East, and the Council, asked local people what their priorities for the area are to help create a plan for the next ten years and beyond.

Your Jarrow - we asked you to tell us your big ideas for Jarrow

The Jarrow Forward partnership asked residents, schools and businesses what their priorities are, to help create a plan for Jarrow for the next ten years and beyond.

Workshops, focus groups and a variety of creative activities were organised over three months in schools, colleges, community and sports centres, and at Jarrow Festival, working with young people, residents, volunteers, students and businesses.

Almost 1,000 people of all ages completed an online and paper survey to give their views and ideas.

Thank you to everyone who shared their dreams for Jarrow’s future.

There’s a real sense of pride in the town and optimism about the future. The next step is to work together to see how the town can make the most of the investment over the next 10 years, shaping plans from the ideas put forward.

What Happens Next?

Jarrow Forward is a new neighbourhood board, made up of representatives of the town’s schools, health services, police, volunteer and community organisations, businesses, South Tyneside Council and the MP for Jarrow & Gateshead East, Kate Osborne.

A plan has been submitted to Government based on your feedback and big ideas Jarrow Regeneration Plan and priorities - South Tyneside Council.

Jarrow and UK Town of Culture 2028

Jarrow is putting itself forward to be UK Town of Culture 2028.

An Expression of Interest has been submitted by Jarrow Forward, working with South Tyneside Council and partners. It sets out why Jarrow is ready to share its story on a national stage and how culture can support the town’s future.

Culture has always been part of Jarrow’s identity. From its early history and social heritage to the creativity found across communities today, Jarrow has a strong story to tell. This Expression of Interest looks at both Jarrow’s past and what culture can help achieve in the years ahead.

Why this matters for Jarrow

Culture and creativity run through the 10-year Jarrow Plan, which is already backed by major investment. Becoming UK Town of Culture could help build on this work by:

Creating new opportunities for children and young people.
Supporting skills, confidence and pride in the town.
Attracting investment and raising Jarrow’s profile.
Bringing people together through shared experiences.

This is about long-term change, not just one year.

What happens next

The Expression of Interest is the first stage.

If Jarrow is shortlisted, there will be more chances for people to get involved. Jarrow Forward and partners will work with local residents, young people, community groups, businesses and creatives to shape ideas for 2028.