Washington60

24 July 2024 is the 60th anniversary of Washington's designation as a New Town. This status lasted until 31 March 1988. In those active development years the town was transformed. The population trebled to 57,000 living in an additional 16,000 house, the four working pits, chemical works and iron works were replaced by 25,000 jobs in modern offices, factories and warehouses, a major shopping centre was built, 5 million tonnes of colliery waste was removed and large green spaces were opened at the golf course, the James Steel Park and the Wetlands Centre on the River Wear, and the Princess Anne Park in the town centre.

Click on the attachment to see that are taking place in July and August. Most are at Arts Centre Washington. Visit their website to book tickets for some of them

See below a summary of the New Town developments, firsts in the North East and Washington since 1988