Events space, heritage and opportunities for food and drink outlets all to be considered in final design for Stockton Waterfront

Events space, picnic areas, water play and opportunities for pop-up food and drinks outlets are all being included in the final design for Stockton Waterfront urban park, following the Council's public engagement sessions this summer.

In August, the Council asked the public to help shape the plans for Stockton Waterfront , the new urban park in the heart of the town centre.

Spaces for events and performances and references to Stockton's heritage scored particularly highly among what residents, businesses and visitors would like to see incorporated in the urban park.

Responses under the theme of recreation, leisure and play also scored highly with the public recognising that spaces to sit and relax, walks and trails and shelter are important aspects to be included.

Opportunities for pop-up food and drink outlets and areas that cater for young people were also of high interest.

Further suggestions for the urban park also covered themes and issues such as:

• accessibility requirements so the park has facilities that are inclusive for all
• community safety and CCTV
• food and beverage opportunities and the need for investment from businesses to encourage growth
• suggestions for more sport and leisure opportunities that made the most of access to the River Tees

The full summary of responses from the engagement activity can be found on the closed consultations page of the Council's website.

The feedback received will help to shape the next phase of detailed design for the urban park element of Stockton Waterfront in advance of submission of a reserved matters planning application and publication of more detailed imagery.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "This is a really exciting stage of the Stockton Waterfront design as we'll be looking at how the different areas on the site start to work and interact with each other.

"There's a lot going on in the town and it's clear from the engagement activity that heritage is important to people. Opening up the park to the High Street for the first time will complement the references to our history on the site, as well as acknowledging the wonderful architecture in the town.

"The public engagement was a huge success and we had some great suggestions which we will certainly be taking into the final stage of design."

Work has been underway since the summer to develop and improve the existing concept design for Stockton Waterfront, which will replace Castlegate Shopping Centre and the Swallow Hotel.

A final design, along with updated high-quality images, will be available in December.

Plans are also progressing on the civic buildings at the southern section of the development, with the design and construction contract for the new buildings going out to tender at the end of the year.

To find out more visit the Stockton Waterfront development page of the Council's website.

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