An amphitheatre, large play area and space for events are part of the latest designs unveiled today for Stockton town centre.
New plans have gone in for the Stockton Waterfront urban park and riverside plaza, described by organisers as a “transformational public space for residents and visitors” including two large event spaces, an oval lawn close to High Street and an amphitheatre with a large terraced area, a central stage on the riverside, ramps and steps. The masterplan is being touted as “an iconic, nationally recognisable new public space” which builds on Stockton’s reputation for hosting large-scale events.
Stockton Council has released new computer-generated images of the proposals, which have been submitted for planning permission. A decision is expected to be made in the spring and, if approved, the park and new buildings to be completed in 2024 to 2025.
Councillor Nigel Cooke, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said: “It’s another big day on this journey of change for Stockton town centre. Now we’re getting to the detailed planning where we can actually begin to firm up what it’s going to look like.”
A large-scale play area with water features is planned as the central focal point, with seating and shelter areas, a toilet block and facilities for pop-up food and drink units, for an “accessible urban park” linking the High Street to Stockton riverside. The Swallow Hotel is being demolished, and this will be followed by the Castlegate Shopping Centre, paving the way for building the Stockton Waterfront vision.
New plans have gone in for the Stockton Waterfront urban park and riverside plaza
Council chiefs say the latest designs were influenced by speaking to the public last summer. Cllr Cooke said: “I’m really really pleased. We started off with public conversation and getting the public’s view is very, very important.
“I think when the public sees this they’ll certainly see that we’ve listened to them.”
The area close to Finkle Street, named “Finkle Square”, will be an entrance to the urban park and a place for events and markets with seating and tree planting. An “intimate setting” is promised to reflect the street’s character.
Finer details like street furniture, lighting and specific play areas and features will be developed for this summer in an “intense period of detailed design”, working with groups to make sure the park is accessible and inclusive.
Heritage is intended to be woven into the designs, including text and illustrations on floors and walls, and digital links into paving and street furniture about the town’s prominent places, people and events.
Cllr Cooke added: “This is another important stage of the Stockton Waterfront design as you can really see how the plans are starting to take shape across different areas of the site thanks to this wonderful imagery. I am very excited for people to be taken on a journey of discovery and connect to the different events spaces, art, culture and play.
Councillor Nigel Cooke, cabinet member for regeneration and housing at Stockton Council
“All of these elements have been incorporated in the updated design following direct responses from the public engagement process in the summer. Spaces for events performances, heritage references and leisure and play responses also show that its important to drive new uses in our town centres to ensure they are fit for the future in the changing face of retail.”
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