Update on future of Shambles Market Hall
Tailored business support including exploring relocation options will take place with all businesses currently based in the Shambles Market Hall before a decision is taken on the future of the building.
That is what the Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, Councillor Richard Eglington will be recommending to his Cabinet colleagues at the Cabinet meeting on Thursday (17 July).
The Council remains fully committed to the ambitious regeneration of Stockton Town Centre as described in the Central Stockton and North Thornaby blueprint. This includes the repurposing of the Shambles which is a historic and much-loved building in the town centre.
As part of the publication of the Council's proposals last week, which set out the next steps of the Council's place making ambitions, the Shambles was identified as one of the Council's assets which could be transformed, making Stockton Town Centre a more attractive place to visit and enjoy.
Councillor Richard Eglington, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "We appreciate the uncertainty that the businesses currently based in the Shambles will be feeling at the moment but we want to reassure them that there is plenty of time for us to work constructively together and help them develop plans for the future. I will be recommending to my Cabinet colleagues that we do not make a decision about the future of the building at Thursday's meeting, this can wait until thorough engagement with businesses have taken place.
"Conversations are already under way with each of the six traders and over the coming weeks the Council will engage with each of them to develop and agree tailored support including exploring relocation options and developing their business models
"We are already looking at relocation options within the town centre including vacant units in Wellington Square and the High Street.
"We want all businesses to grow and thrive in Stockton-on-Tees and that's why we are committed to supporting all traders through business development, looking for new premises and allowing all traders who wish to, to carry on trading."
