School children joined forces with the mayor of Stockton to bury a time capsule as part of the town centre revamp.

The time capsule was presented to Councillor Jim Beall at a ceremony on Tuesday at the north end of the High Street, which is part of the Stockton Northern Gateway Townscape Heritage Project.

Children from Mill Lane and Tilery primary schools created drawings with their memories of the High Street and what they think life will be like there in 50 years’ time when the capsule is re-opened.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Schoolchildren from Mill Lane Primary School in Stockton, Ivor Crowther, of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Councillor Jim Beall, mayor of Stockton, Jackie Collamtime, member of the former Congregational Church in Stockton, Cllr Pauline Beall,

The mayor penned a letter to the borough’s future residents to go into the time capsule, which was buried at the newly completed Tennant Square.

The project, which is joint funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Stockton Council, included the redevelopment of Tennant Square and Norton Road to create a larger, more open area.

Tennant Square is the site of the former Norton Road Congregational Church, which opened its doors in 1845 and stood on the site for more than 125 years. Fragments of glass from an archaeological dig which took place on the site in 2021 were also placed inside the capsule.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Time capsule planting at Tennant Square in Stockton with speeches and exhibition at the Globe. Photograph: Stuart Boulton/SBC

Footpaths at the northern end of the High Street, along Norton Road and King Street were also improved as part of the scheme.

Cllr Beall said: “Public spaces like Tennant Square are integral to the community and it’s great that so many generations will be able to enjoy it.

“The time capsule is a way for families to learn about the history of the town and the borough. It’s brilliant that these children can be involved in such an exciting opportunity.

“This project will ensure a lasting and memorable record of the variety and experience of life within our community at this time.”

The Townscape Heritage Project also focuses on a series of restoration projects of historic buildings in the area.

Helen Featherstone, regional director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are proud to support the Stockton Northern Gateway Townscape Heritage Project that is putting heritage at the heart of the regeneration and future of the town. It is wonderful to see this element completed, ensuring Tennant Square can be enjoyed by local people and visitors from further afield for years to come.”