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Â鶹ÊÓƵ is finalising bids for the next round of Levelling Up funding.

The authority is submitting bids for both the Jarrow and South Shields constituencies for tranche 2 of the £4.8bn fund.

The bids aim to revitalise the borough's three towns by capitalising on the growing green economy, innovation, and skills, and attracting visitors by enhancing the cultural offer.

The Jarrow proposal will seek to create a sustainable mid-Tyne, with a package of related investments across Jarrow and Hebburn.

There would be substantial expansion of the pioneering Hebburn Minewater and Viking Energy networks, bringing low carbon heat to more residents and businesses, as well as significant investment at Jarrow Hall to create a world-class sustainable visitor destination.

The three-part South Shields submission will focus on revitalising the riverside and town centre by boosting footfall and visitor numbers.

The transformational project would include developing the Customs House and a cultural quarter; creating a skills and visitor centre - the Northern Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence - at Holborn Renewable Energy Network; and a student accommodation offer as part of South Tyneside College relocating into the town centre.

Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of Â鶹ÊÓƵ said: "These proposals seek to extend our innovative renewable energy schemes, support further education, transform our town centre economies, particularly through culture, and nurture the green innovation happening in the borough.

"South Tyneside has enormous potential to be right at the forefront of the green revolution and our ambition and drive means we are we are creating opportunities in the green economy right on our doorstep.

"But we need further support and investment to play to our strengths and ensure our residents can gain full benefit from those opportunities."

MPs Kate Osborne and Emma Lewell-Buck are supporting the respective bids.

Kate Osborne, MP for Jarrow said: "Our constituency has an incredible history, and the levelling up bid aims to boost pride in our industrial heritage whilst paving the way for a greener future.

"Further to ensuring a greener future for the constituency, this levelling up bid also aims to provide transformational investment in Jarrow Hall and the Bede Museum which will be used to attract visitors from outside of our communities so we can share our rich history and culture whilst improving our local economy.

"Investment into Jarrow Hall will improve the facilities available meaning there will be more capacity to host travelling exhibitions as well as support and work with children and young people with SEND. Our constituency is often known solely for the famous Jarrow March, and whilst I am so proud of that - I feel it is important that we uplift and celebrate all of our historic assets equally and this funding will allow us to do that more so.

"Regional inequality continues to worsen with the gap in spending between London and the North doubling over recent years. This bid, if successful will bring a spotlight to the Jarrow constituency giving significant investment into Jarrow and Hebburn town centres. An expansion of the Hebburn Minewater Scheme as well as a creation of a public green space in the Mountbatten Centre which will hugely improve the experience of visitors.

"The core aim of this bid for funding is to invest in a low carbon community. If we can use the levelling up funding to create a greener constituency that celebrates our past whilst investing in our future, I believe this bid will benefit us for generations to come."

Emma Lewell - Buck, MP for South Shields said: "As your MP, I have long campaigned for improvements to our town centre. After the success of our bid to the Department for Education for the South Tyneside College relocation into the town centre, this levelling up bid not only progresses that move, but will also, via the Customs House and Holborn elements, enhance our cultural offer and opportunities in renewable energy. Together these funds will revitalise our economy, enhance education and skills and increase employment. It has been a pleasure working with the Council on this bid and I am pleased to add my support and sign off for it as it goes to the Government for consideration. It is time the Government proved to us that levelling up is more than just an empty slogan. "