Stage is set for Stockton Waterfront - Bold Urban Park set to transform the town centre welcomes its first visitors

Stockton Waterfront urban park is set to welcome its first visitors this weekend (20 and 21 JUNE) - marking the completion of a five-year journey of one of the region's most significant regeneration projects.  

The Council-led scheme has transformed Stockton Town Centre, creating a dynamic green space in the heart of the town to support events, leisure, community activities and increase footfall. 

The Waterfront Park connects Stockton High Street to the River Tees through a land bridge, which allows visitors to walk uninterrupted from High Street to the riverside. The 55-metre land bridge spans A1305 Riverside Road, which has been realigned and reduced to a single carriageway in each direction.  

The huge outdoor space is three times the size of Trafalgar Square, replacing the 1970s Castlegate Shopping Centre and Swallow Hotel. The project began in 2020, following a public consultation, with demolition taking place in 2022.  

Councillor Paul Rowling, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources and Regeneration at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "Stockton Waterfront is an iconic space and is going to make a huge difference to the lives of residents, businesses and visitors in Stockton. 

"I am extremely proud that the people of Stockton are going to be able to have access to such a beautiful visitor destination. It will be wonderful to see how the park brings new life to the town, whether it be families experiencing an incredible new play area, exploring the heritage features or enjoying lunch at some of the fantastic town centre businesses following an event. 

"Although this is the end of a six-year journey, Stockton Waterfront is only the beginning. The park expands the perimeter of the town centre and looking to the future, it sits at the heart of our long-term vision to make the Borough a vibrant destination to live, work and do business." 

Delivered by appointed contractors Esh Construction, the Waterfront Park offers flexible spaces capable of hosting the town's world-class events programme, pop-up food and beverage concessions, smaller markets and community-led activities. This includes the Amphitheatre, the Oval Lawn, Finkle Square, landscaped gardens, historic references and three distinct play areas designed to encourage inclusive use for children and families. 

Andy Radcliffe, Chief Executive Officer at Esh Construction, said: "The completion of Stockton Waterfront urban park is a significant milestone for both Esh and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. From the construction of the land bridge to the creation of the wider public realm, this project showcases the strength of our civil engineering capability and our ability to deliver major infrastructure. 

"I'm incredibly proud of the expertise and commitment shown by everyone involved, right through to the supply chain that has supported the project to completion. The result is a high-quality, accessible space that will bring lasting social and economic value to the town." 

The Amphitheatre has 402 granite steps and a bespoke poem, 'Hidden Depths', crafted by the United Kingdom Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, reflecting on the town's connection to the River Tees. 

Another standout feature is the interactive play area and adventure play features across the park. Designed in collaboration with Timberplay Ltd, Ryder Architecture and Stockton Parent Carers Forum, this includes two huge timber towers with a range of slides, wheelchair accessible elements, sand and water play, tactile and sensory experiences, motion, sounds with musical instruments, social interaction and quiet spaces. 

Visitors will also be taken on a journey of discovery through the park as the history of Stockton Town Centre is integrated into its spaces through illustrations, sculptures and text. The important story of the Stockton Darlington Railway is also celebrated through railway interpretation and a large solar powered sculpture installed close to the riverside. 

More than 17,000 plants have been installed, with 224 species and 153 trees included across the park. The planting scheme was designed by the late RHS Ambassador Nigel Dunnett, a world-leading pioneer in modern landscape design. 

The project has been funded by the Council, along with £16.5million from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and £20million from Tees Valley Combined Authority. 

Minister for Devolution, Local Growth and Communities, Nesil Caliskan said: "It's brilliant to see this project completed. Stockton Waterfront is something the whole community can enjoy and be proud of for generations to come." 

"It's a dynamic and versatile space right in the heart of the town centre, and the UK Government is delighted to have invested £16.5 million to help make it happen." 

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: "The completion of this fantastic new Waterfront Park is a landmark moment for Stockton. 

"It's an outstanding example of what can be achieved when we work together with a shared vision - investing in our town centres to create welcoming, vibrant destinations for families and visitors alike. 

"This regeneration not only transforms the landscape but strengthens the foundations of our economy by supporting brilliant local shops and hospitality businesses while providing a location for outstanding events and creating jobs for local people. 

"It demonstrates the scale of our ambition for our region, helping to attract further investment for the waterfront and stands as a powerful example to the rest of the country of how meaningful, successful town centre regeneration can be delivered." 

Stockton Waterfront will welcome its first visitors on Saturday 20 June, as part of a packed programme of events for the Borough's Armed Forces Day celebrations. 

Find out more about how to get involved, host an event or an activity or trade by visiting the Stockton Waterfront webpage.