North of Tyne Combined Authority has agreed a £30m investment to 'breathe new life' into a former coal mining town.
County councillors approved the funding for Ashington as part of the town's regeneration programme following years of decline.
The funding, including cash from the combined authority and the Government, will pay for a new cinema and town-centre redevelopment.
The authority's portfolio holder for business and opportunities, Conservative councillor Wojciech Ploszaj, said the scheme followed successful regeneration in nearby Blyth.
He told a cabinet meeting: 'Over the past several years, the town has been declining, economic vitality has been declining.
'This programme is a comprehensive £30m scheme aimed at revitalising Ashington, it is designed to stimulate economic growth and breathe new life into the area.
'It will deliver a new cinema in Portland Park and new infrastructure around it. It will redevelop Wansbeck Square and the Grand Corner.'
Pedestrian access and the town's cultural offering will also be improved in a bid to attract visitors.
Council leader Glen Sanderson told a meeting of the authority's cabinet: 'I'm quite sure that by March 2025 there will be a significant difference.'
However, Labour councillor Caroline Ball, who represents the Ashington Central ward, said she wanted more for her town.
'Inflation is going through the roof and this should have started a long time ago.'
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