A bold 'Tees Central' project, a reimagined Debenhams building and vibrant town centre living form part of next steps for Council's vision for Stockton-on-Tees

Proposals that set out the next steps of the Council's place making ambitions to ensure Stockton-on-Tees is a place of choice for people to live, work and visit are to be considered by Cabinet next week.

This vision is part of the Council's transformation work Powering Our Future, which includes:

• Tees Central project- an exciting and innovative approach to redevelop the Tees Marshalling Yards into a new community at the centre of the Tees Valley
• Town Centre living - a 'portfolio' of development opportunities for town centre living across Central Stockton and North Thornaby, with a mix of affordable housing, student residential and homes suitable for residents' needs to increase town centre vibrancy
• transforming existing Council assets - reusing Council assets to drive growth and make Stockton Town Centre a more attractive place to visit by reimagining the Shambles, the historic Town Hall and the former Debenhams building
• further updates about the Council's wide ranging regeneration programme, including progress on the redevelopment of Billingham Town Centre and an update to the Yarm High Street improvements scheme

The Tees Central project is a huge opportunity for expansion of the economic growth aspirations for Stockton-on-Tees and supports the development of the Care and Health Innovation Zone as part of the Central Stockton and North Thornaby Blueprint.

Together, these two areas combined could offer thousands of homes, commercial space and a potential platform for significant investment in new clinical facilities at the heart of the Tees Valley.

Tees Central would also combine with proposals for further opportunities for town centre living, identified in the Blueprint. This includes Stockton Waterfront, the former post office site on Stockton High Street, the Municipal buildings, Riverside Car Park and Dairy Car Park.

The Council is working in partnership with Tees Valley Combined Authority across these innovative projects.

The Blueprint also highlights opportunities to transform existing Council assets to drive growth, increase footfall and make Stockton Town Centre more attractive to residents, visitors and businesses.

The Council plans to market the Shambles building for use as food and beverage offer to complement Stockton Waterfront urban park and wider town centre.

It is working with existing tenants to explore the relocation of their businesses and will provide tailored business support and advice.

Opportunities for Stockton Town Hall, a Grade II Listed building and key focal point for the town, are being explored, including maintaining its civic function.

The former Debenhams building is an ideal location to enhance the town's daytime and nighttime economy. Proposals are being explored to bring it back into use to deliver community health facilities, create a market food hall, a creative and digital hub, and other leisure uses.

Councillor Richard Eglington, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "We're continuing our bold plans to ensure that Stockton-on-Tees a thriving place for our communities and businesses. A place where people want to live, work and visit.

"Tees Central project is an exciting opportunity for us to further develop the growth aspirations for the area, it would boost the Tees Valley economy and create a large number of new jobs.

"This also aligns with our intention to bring a Care and Health Innovation Zone to the Borough, providing opportunities to increase research, development and innovation across the sector, as well as improve health inequalities.

"Central Stockton and Portrack have also been identified for the Government's 'Trailblazer Neighbourhood' scheme. This will support our ambition to accelerate the housing plans and reflects our ambition to work with our communities to improve residents' lives."

Councillor Paul Rowling, Cabinet Member for Resources and Transport at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "The Town Hall, Shambles and the former Debenhams building are all located close to the new Waterfront park, which presents a range of fantastic new opportunities to encourage people to visit, enjoy and spend time in the town.

"These iconic buildings are steeped in history and are much-loved. They have huge potential to be transformed, complementing the wider retail, leisure and culture offer.

"Other benefits include private sector investment, increased visitor spend, more jobs and enhanced footfall."

As part of wider elements of the regeneration programme across the Borough, the Council is continuing to work towards acquiring part of Billingham Town Centre, including Queensway South, West Precinct and the former library site, from owner Evolve Properties.

As drafting the legal agreements have progressed, an opportunity has emerged for Evolve to manage the demolition of Queensway South, which would make the demolition process more efficient.

Once agreed, the next steps will be to develop plans for residential development on the cleared site.

Members of the public and businesses will have the chance to comment on the emerging plans for improvements to parking, public toilets, accessibility and public realm in Billingham during a period of engagement once the acquisition has taken place. 

Meanwhile, improvements to Yarm High Street as part of the Levelling Up Fund will begin in September and will include six new public spaces, allowing people to enjoy the surroundings of the High Street and include references to Yarm's history and heritage.

Following publication of proposals and in response to some concerns raised regarding the appearance of the proposed planters, a revised design has been undertaken to incorporate a more subtle and refined finish to the planter material, in keeping with the character of the High Street.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet will meet on Thursday 17 July to consider all of these proposals.