Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Public Realm

The term Public Realm refers to the spaces between buildings, including roads, pavements and yards that are accessible to the general public.

Public Realm expenditure is aimed directly at increasing the amount of activity in the area and removing existing barriers.  These have been identified as those associated with a lack of security and physical access.

The urban fabric of Stockton Town Centre conservation area is currently disconnected from its historic past, following large-scale regeneration initiatives dating back to the 1970's. Much of the southern end of the historic core of the town centre was demolished and the High Street disconnected from the river by the construction of Riverside Road and the Castlegate Shopping Centre.

A number of strategic interventions are planned over the next 10 - 15 years through the Stockton Middlesbrough Initiative that will bring the river back into use as a town centre resource. This will increase access to the town centre and has significant investment planned for the Southern and Northern ends of the High Street and between the East of the High Street and the river. This will be in addition to the investment at North Shore through Tees Valley Regeneration.

As a counterbalance to this, Stockton Council is introducing the Town Centre Strategy and associated Action Plan to identify how to bring forward improvements and best use planning legislation to secure economic development. This recognises the need for a clear urban design framework for the town centre, with the requirements of the conservation area having a significant impact. Working in partnership with English Heritage and local businesses, SHiP will pilot this framework for wider implementation across the town centre.  

Application
Phase 1

A grant has been awarded for the production of an Conservation Area Management Plan.  This will ensure continuity of approach between the various initiatives.  Consultation on the document is ongoing and publication is expected to take place during 2011. 

Phase 2

A grant was awarded during 2010 / 11 for works in Blue Post, Ship Inn and Hambletonian Yards.  This covers surface finishes, lighting, signage and street furniture.

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• English Heritage