Work starts on Stockton Waterfront site ahead of demolition of Castlegate Shopping Centre

Work has begun on the demolition of Castlegate Shopping Centre and Swallow Hotel that is set to transform the heart of Stockton in a 'momentous step in the regeneration and repurposing of the Borough's town centres'.

The buildings are being demolished in order to create the bold and visionary urban park, riverside plaza and land bridge structure that will connect Stockton High Street to the River Tees, is being delivered by MGL Demolition.

The first stage of the demolition contract is underway, with pre-works taking place including a strip out of the site and asbestos removal before the first phase of demolition begins.

The first visible signs of the demolition will appear in late June, with hoardings covering the first phase to be installed at the southern end of the High Street in advance of the main demolition works beginning in July.

The first phase of demolition will involve the complete demolition of the Swallow Hotel, the multi storey carpark and the southern end of the shopping centre up to John Walker Square.

It is expected that the first phase of demolition will take place until Autumn. Detailed engagement process is also underway with businesses to ensure that all efforts are made to minimise disruption in the immediate area and surrounding town centre.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "This is a momentous step in the regeneration and repurposing of the Borough's town centres.

"The public shared our vision for demolishing Castlegate and the Swallow Hotel and creating a fantastic riverside park, building on what we are doing on the High Street by placing more emphasis on events and festivals.

"People have realised that high streets have changed forever and you can no longer just rely on retail to make them successful.

"The first sign of the buildings coming down will be symbolic to the people of Stockton - it's been an eyesore for a number of years. Places like the hotel have a lot of memories inside but it's such an exciting time for the town and it's all part of the progress being made."

Mark Davison, Joint Chief Executive of MGL Group, said: "We are proud to be working with the Council on a project that will allow people to enjoy a fantastic new environment in the Town Centre.

"This is an exciting time for Stockton and we are delighted to be playing a role in this important opportunity to change the town and improve the lives of future generations."

The demolition will take around 12 months to complete, before the construction and redevelopment of Stockton Waterfront begins in summer 2023.

The design and construction of the waterfront development is being undertaken by contractor Esh Construction with the site set to be complete by 2025.

Find out more information on how the Council is transforming its six town centres.

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