Multiple events spaces, unique play areas and heritage influences feature on striking new imagery of Stockton Waterfront

Striking images for Stockton Waterfront show the latest design for the bold urban park and riverside plaza, including exciting events spaces, unique play areas for all ages, heritage influences and opportunities for pop-up concessions.

A Reserved Matters planning application was submitted today (16 JAN), showing how the concept masterplan has been developed to create a transformational public space for residents and visitors of Stockton-on-Tees.

The design, which has been influenced by the findings of the Council's public engagement sessions in the summer, incorporates events spaces, play areas, heritage influences and opportunities for pop-up concessions across a flexible, accessible urban park that will link the High Street to Stockton riverside

The latest images of the emerging design offer insight into key locations across the urban park, including two large event spaces, an oval lawn space close to the High Street and an amphitheatre and large terraced area with accessible ramps and stepped routes linking down to the riverside.

The area close to Finkle Street, named 'Finkle Square' creates an entry point to the urban park and can play host to events and markets as well as seating and heritage opportunities. It will reflect Finkle Street's character and include an intimate setting with tree planting.

A large-scale play area will be the centre point for the park along with a series of play and water features. A number of areas providing seating and shelter are incorporated along with the ability to accommodate pop-up food and beverage units. The design also provides a toilet block in the heart of the park, close to the play areas.

An intense period of detailed design on the urban park will now take place, where finer details will be developed such as street furniture, lighting, and the specific play areas and features, as well as the opportunity to engage with specific groups to ensure park is accessible and inclusive.

The detailed design will also develop the heritage interpretation in the park to include text, illustrations and digital links into the paving and street furniture where visitors can learn about the town's prominent places, people and events.

The plans for Stockton Waterfront, which replaces Castlegate Shopping Centre and the Swallow Hotel, are part of the Council's bold regeneration plans across the Borough's six town centres.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, said: "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. 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."

The planning process is expected to be determined in the spring, with the finer design of the park set to be completed by the summer. Construction will then begin following the complete demolition of the Castlegate site.

Find out more on the Stockton Waterfront development on the Our Six Towns page..