Future vision for the Borough's town centres unveiled as part of ambitious regeneration programme

The next stage in Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's bold regeneration programme will be considered by Councillors next week.

The plans reveal how the Council will further develop the Borough's town centres, ensuring they are vibrant places which are economically successful, attracting investment and fit for future generations.

The proposals come after ongoing Council investment, such as the Stockton Waterfront development, has attracted significant interest from private developers for investment opportunities.

The Council is now proposing to combine key development sites to create an integrated, inclusive economy across Stockton-on-Tees.

The report will be considered at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, July 13 to take stock, setting out the broader vision for the Borough's six town centres to approve:

• the development of regeneration blueprints for each of our six towns to outline the future vision and strategy
• formal engagement with partners for the potential development of the Municipal Buildings site in Stockton Town Centre and the southern section of the Stockton Waterfront site
• the development of a Masterplan and business case for a Care and Health and Zone in Teesdale
• re-assessing the future options for Stockton's leisure centre and library as well as proposing plans for the Town Hall to house the register office and to secure the future of the historic Shambles building
• the development of a new Masterplan for Billingham Town Centre and proposals for a Sports Hub on the former Billingham Campus site

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, said: "It's clear to see the Council is providing real transformational change through interventions that are taking place across the Borough from the demolition of Phoenix House to the transformation of the Castlegate Shopping Centre site.

"Thanks to the plans we are driving forward, there is wider interest from private developers who are keen to invest. This is an exciting chance for the Council to look at the next steps.

"We're proposing how to knit together key sites across our six towns to create an inclusive economy. It's important that the future of Teesdale is linked to the town centre, which provides an opportunity to unlock a Care and Health Zone and making the most of the River Tees, one of the Borough's biggest assets.

"We have landmark buildings in the heart of the High Street and this is an opportunity to preserve their heritage and make them centre stage. It's also clear we need aspirational housing of high quality in our town centre so it's time to consider the best options for each.

"It's now time to take stock and we're doing this because we want to make the most of opportunities available to us so that our town centres can be vibrant and thriving places."

Stockton

Following an exciting programme of transformation over the years, key projects are underway including the waterfront development and proposals for a new Community Diagnostic Hub for the Tees Valley, delivered by the NHS.

Given the close proximity of Teesdale Business Park, the demolition of Castlegate Shopping Centre will create a widened town centre, spanning the River Tees and bringing together key assets.

A strategy for the Business Park and Tees Marshalling Yards is being proposed which could see a nationally significant regeneration scheme for a Health and Social Care Zone, with potential for integrated training and health facilities, research and development.

The potential for a new use for the current Municipal Buildings site for aspirational, high-quality housing, the option to retain the current library site and the Splash leisure facility with enhanced leisure opportunities are also being considered.

As part of the ongoing plans to transform the town, a reserved matters planning application for the Stockton Waterfront site was also determined at Planning Committee in July.

Billingham

Following the disappointment of the Levelling Up Fund decision, Cabinet will be asked to approve the preparation of a new Masterplan for the town centre, building on the previous 'Lets Talk About Our Towns' public consultation and exploring future redevelopment opportunities to guide future decisions.

Plans to support the development of a Sports Hub on the former Billingham Campus site. which is football-led but will support the delivery of a wide range of sports and activities, are also being proposed.

Ingleby Barwick

The main improvements to Romano Park in Ingleby Barwick will begin at the end of July.

The improvements include repairs and upgrades to the existing play park area as well as the extended area close to All Saints Academy and will take place in two phases following initial planting of trees and installation of extra CCTV cameras.

Norton

Work has been underway to refine the final costs and design for the improvements to the southern end of Norton High Street. This includes the northbound one-way system at the southern section of the High Street, as well as improvements to extend the pedestrianised areas and public realm. Following this and a subsequent lead in time for materials, work is expected to begin at the end of the year.

Thornaby

As part of the Thornaby Town Deal, work is ongoing with the Education Training Collective to support the redevelopment of the NETA facility in a new location at Stockton Riverside College.

Cabinet are being asked to agree to recommend a loan of up to £4million to support this relocation project.

The demolition of Phoenix House is also continuing, with work due to begin on the design of a new swimming pool in the summer on this site. The Council is also working hard to find a solution to the former Golden Eagle building.

Yarm

Work is continuing on the restoration of the historic Town Hall, with the building works nearing completion. Ambitious plans have also been unveiled which will see Preston Park Museum and Grounds transformed into a modern, innovative and inspiring space.

Investment through the Government's Levelling Up Fund at the attraction will include a two-storey extension to the museum, café improvements and new visitor toilets, plus refurbishment of the aviary.

A planning application for these proposals was submitted earlier in July.

For more information on how the Council is transforming its six town centres visit: www.stockton.gov.uk/our-six-towns