Future of the Golden Eagle in Thornaby resolved as Council takes control of building with Town Deal funding
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council has taken control of the Golden Eagle in Thornaby, using funding from the Thornaby Town Deal.
The acquisition, which was completed on Thursday (17 OCT), allows a key priority of the Town Deal Board to be realised and ends years of uncertainty about the eyesore building's future.
The Council has acquired the leasehold interests on the building and will now move forward with plans to demolish it in early 2025 using further Town Deal funding. This will provide a cleared site for future redevelopment, led by the current town centre owner, LCP Proudreed.
Tackling long-term vacant properties in Thornaby Town Centre to create opportunities for new development is one of the key areas that the Town Deal Board identified as a priority for the £23.9million of Town Deal funding.
The Board is made up of a range of local stakeholders from public and private sector bodies, including Thornaby councillors and MPs for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East and Stockton West.
Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "We've been waiting a number of years for this day and I am delighted that it's finally here.
"The Council has been working through complex lease arrangements to find a resolution and I know everyone has been keen to know about the future of the Golden Eagle as it is something that has blighted Thornaby for a long time.
"The Eagle is an eyesore in its current state and is a barrier to unlocking further development in the town centre, so it's fantastic news to be able to say that we are now in control of the building.
"The next step is looking towards bringing the building down in the near future to allow the opportunity for new development as part of plans for our six town centres to be vibrant and economically successful, so they attract investment and are fit for future generations."
Mark White CBE DL, Chair of the Thornaby Town Deal Board, said: "The acquisition of the Golden Eagle is excellent news as part of the Town Deal Board's ambitions to bring long-term change to Thornaby.
"I am delighted to be with the Board to mark such a momentous occasion for Thornaby-on-Tees and I would like to thank each and every member for their hard work in reaching this outcome."
A planning application for the building's demolition is being prepared and is due to be submitted by the end of the year.
Subject to approval, demolition will take place next year.
A new swimming pool, gym and leisure facility is also planned for the town centre on the former Phoenix House site, which was also demolished for redevelopment in 2023.
A planning submission for the facility was submitted in July, which includes a five-lane swimming pool, a new entrance, gym provision, better car parking and public realm improvements. Subject to planning approval, construction of the new leisure facility will start in spring next year.
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