Member Article

Stockton’s £38m regeneration programme enters new stage

A £38m programme to transform Stockton’s town centre has entered its next phase.

Contractors will next week start work on the Northern part of the high street after works on the Southern area nears completion.

The huge project has already brought the complete refurbishment of Stockton’s high street, with new paving, road improvements, street furniture, bus shelters and street lighting.

The programme is also bringing to life the medieval and Georgian architecture still in existence, making plans for the refurbishment of the Globe Theatre, as well as opening up the area to the super riverside and watersports facility on the banks of the river Tees.

As a final piece in the jigsaw to secure the future prosperity of the town centre, the improvement programme will create new outdoor entertainment spaces as well as a permanent home for specialist and regular markets.

Work will commence on the northern end of the high street from Lindsay House to The Globe next week, and will replace paving, upgrade the pedestrian crossings, replace street lighting columns and resurface the roads.

The work will also create a new taxi rank, car park and a dedicated events and specialist market place.

The site of the new Stockton ‘Automaton’ will also be allocated for the installation of the exciting ‘moving sculpture’ which is due to be put in place during the works.

Stockton Council’s cabinet member for Regeneration and Transport, Councillor Mike Smith, said: “This is a really exciting stage in the journey of the High Street £38m regeneration – and we are really seeing a difference in the look and feel of the town centre.

“The new spaces for markets and events will help to create a fantastic new atmosphere to the town centre – building on its reputation as a place for events and performance.

“By improving and creating different spaces and experiences in the High Street, we are in a much stronger position to maintain and increase visitors and shoppers – helping to secure the Town Centre for the future of all.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .