There was dismay when a bid for levelling up funding to transform one of Northumberland's deprived towns was turned down.
But as part of the Chancellor's spring Budget it was revealed Ashington will be receiving £16m to support the regeneration of the town.
The cash will be used to deliver major new projects at Wansbeck Square and Portland Park, with new leisure, culture and community facilities part of the plans.
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Northumberland County Council bosses say the money will allow the town to capitalise on the Northumberland Line which is due to open next year.
The money comes just weeks after the town missed out on a levelling up funding package, which outlined plans for a new cinema and two new restaurants.
The Northumberland towns of Hexham and Corbridge secured funding for an active travel scheme that would see a cycleway created between the two.
Northumberland County Council Leader Councillor Glen Sanderson said: “This is absolutely great news for Ashington town centre and testament to all the work our county council has devoted to the town.
"The inclusion in the budget follows the Secretary of State’s recent visit to the county where the issue was specifically raised with him.
“So much work has gone into working together to build positive plans for the town so today’s announcement is testament to the commitment of everyone involved, from residents and businesses through to councillors, Town Board members and all the other partners that we have secured this funding to transform the area.”
John Johnston, chief executive of Bernicia and chair of the Ashington Town Board, said: "Partners have worked closely with the County Council to identify a range of projects, that alongside other exciting proposals - such as the re-establishment of passenger rail services to Ashington and a new College campus, will collectively transform our town centre."
Wansbeck Labour MP Ian Lavery said: "I am delighted at the news that Ashington will receive over £16m in funding to regenerate the town centre and fund other much needed regeneration projects.
"While it is puzzling that this money has been announced less than two months after the original bid was deemed not important enough by the Government to receive money from the levelling up fund that it was originally written for, this is nevertheless very welcome news for the people of Ashington who have seen their town held back for too long by successive governments."
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