A new year means looking ahead at things to come.
And in Redcar and Cleveland the landscape is changing courtesy of a number of building projects being overseen or agreed by the council. Here’s some of what’s in the pipeline and an update on their delivery.
New hotel in Coatham
An artist’s impression of how the new hotel at Coatham, Redcar will look
(Image: BXB Architecture/Redcar and Cleveland Council.)
Remediation works have been completed in preparation for the planned 42 bedroom, four floor hotel, being built on the site of the former Rkade skate park, off Majuba Road, Redcar, which will be operated by the Inn Collection Group. Up to 50 new jobs are expected to be created.
Construction of the hotel is expected to begin in early 2025 once contract discussions have been finalised with the council. Capital costs for the £6m project are being funded by the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), along with a contribution from the Government’s Towns Fund.
Redcar Central Station revamp
An artist’s impression showing a new look for Redcar Central Station
(Image: RCBC)
The project to refurbish the grade two listed station is being paid for with £7m worth of Levelling Up Partnerships funding and is estimated for completion in winter 2025. The aim is to transform it from an “empty and run-down shell” into a “vibrant” mixed-use gateway to the town that functions as a leisure/retail hub, as well as providing improved facilities such as ticket machines, travel information and covered waiting areas.
All external scaffolding works have been completed. Meanwhile, other works have been taking place including repairs to the roof of the station buildings and brick repairs and pointing on the external facades.
Variations to listed building and planning consents have been submitted to the council with approval recently given in respect of a front canopy replacement. The council is currently accepting expressions of interest from business owners in taking commercial space in the building – email gavinb@naylorsgavinblack.co.uk to find out more.
Family leisure attraction and cultural hub, Redcar
The family leisure attraction and cultural hub
(Image: RCBC)
The first phase of demolition involving the former M&S and Goodwins buildings has been completed in order to clear the way for the new facility, which sits between the High Street and the Esplanade, and is intended to provide a venue for people to meet, relax and have fun in all weathers. Ten pin bowling, laser tag gaming and climbing facilities have all been slated to be included.
The town’s new library will be an addition to the purpose built building, while an outdoor space to the High Street side is intended to host a regular programme of outdoor events and markets supporting local businesses.
Demolition has currently been paused following additional site investigations on the surrounding walls, structures and ground conditions, with the council stating the extent of further work now required could not have been foreseen. Further design work, licence and party wall agreements are needed, but demolition should resume thereafter in early 2025.
The facility is being funded from the £25m Redcar Town Deal and should be completed in the summer of 2026. To view the plans visit Culture and Leisure Anchor Attraction | YourVoiceMatters
Guisborough town centre public realm improvements
Westgate in Guisborough and, right, Chaloner Street
A revised planning application was recently approved following feedback from the local community. The aim is to transform Westgate and Chaloner Street, delivering a range of enhancements and improving the experience of visitors to the historic market town.
Footpaths will be extended to create more extensive pedestrian areas and also allowing existing cafés and restaurants to “spill out” from their premises. Other new elements include benches, cycle stands, lighting, signage and artworks being put on display.
The scheme is again being funded by levelling up cash, part of a previous £15m allocation for Guisborough. A contractor is being sought through a procurement process with the works to be undertaken in phases to mitigate the impact on local businesses and set to begin next summer. They are scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2026.
For more information visit Guisborough Regeneration Programme | YourVoiceMatters
Saltburn Foreshore improvements
These aim to deliver a range of improvements again to enhance the visitor experience, providing a “visible uplift” to the area. The work includes replacing the low concrete railings that run along Marine Parade and the lookout area over the sea.
Large sections had fallen into disrepair with new steel rails and posts being coated with an engineering grade polyurethane material which does not rust and offers maximum protection to chemical corrosion and the elements. Work has also started on replacing the balustrade railings on the Lower Promenade with street furniture also being renewed.
Design work is taking place in respect of changes to bus stops and pedestrian crossings at the bottom of Saltburn Bank to assist traffic flow and make it safer for visitors. The £600,000 project is being financed by the TVCA and is due to be completed by March next year.
Former United Reformed Church, Loftus
The renovated stained glass window at the former Loftus URC
(Image: Stuart Boulton/RCBC)
The church, which dates back to 1906, has been empty for 20 years with a refurbishment aiming to transform the building into studio space for artists, along with a gallery and workshop. Exhibitions and events could also be held.
New windows and doors have been fitted to the north elevation of the building and an internal metal staircase fitted. A stained glass window was recently removed, restored and reinstalled as part of the plans. A group of local artists who have formed a not-for-profit company will become tenants.
Redcar and Cleveland Council spent £52,000 in 2020 to take the church, on the corner of the A174 through the town and Westfield Terrace, out of private ownership. A total of £1.15m was previously secured from the TVCA’s Indigenous Growth Fund.
The project is in the final stages and could be completed in January. For more information visit loftusmasterplan.co.uk
Temperance Square, Loftus
The newly revamped Temperance Square, which is located off a busy crossroads in Loftus on the approach to the High Street, will host a new £2.5m employment and skills hub containing a purpose built training facility. It will also be a base for the council’s employment growth team in East Cleveland.
Some buildings have been demolished to make way for the hub which will have “wraparound” landscaped public spaces. Scaffolding is in place along with a secondary steel frame system and a new flat roof has been installed. The Government’s Future High Streets Fund has contributed more than £1.8m to the project, while £761,700 is being provided from the TVCA’s Indigenous Growth Fund.
The council previously acquired several existing properties on the site, including shops, flats and a bungalow in order that they could be demolished. The works are estimated for completion in spring next year.
Eston precinct
Eston precinct is overdue a long-awaited revamp
(Image: RCBC)
A planning application will be made in early 2025 in moves to transform the existing, run down Eston precinct. The proposed redevelopment aims to provide high-quality retail facilities with up to 12,500 square feet of new commercial space being built with the aim of enhancing the surrounding area and supporting the regeneration of Eston High Street.
There will also be new car parking, along with paving, benches and space for Eston Market. The council hopes new retailers will be attracted to the area, providing a “better and more vibrant environment for residents to shop”.
All existing freehold owners whose properties will be demolished have now had heads of terms agreed and contracts have been issued for signing. The design work required is progressing with a demolition and construction tender being issued for companies to bid for.
A public consultation which took place in September showed 93% of residents supported proposals for the new precinct. The near £10m revamp is being funded by £7.9m worth of Levelling Up Partnerships funding, supplemented by £2m from the TVCA’s Indigenous Growth Fund, and has an estimated date of completion of between April and July 2026.
For more information go to Eston Precinct | YourVoiceMatters
New Eston Pool
Eston Leisure Centre, left, whose pool closed in June 2020, and, right, an image showing what the outside of the new replacement facility may look like
Construction of the new pool is intended to replace the ageing former pool off Normanby Road, South Bank, which was last open in 2020. It was later mothballed after previous flooding incidents and due to its deteriorating structure.
The new facility will feature a 25-metre, six lane swimming pool and a separate learner pool as well as a changing village and 150 seat spectator area. It could cost more than £19m with an agreed funding package consisting of £12.2m worth of borrowing, a £6.2m grant from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and £700,000 from the TVCA’s Indigenous Growth Fund.
Excavation work for the main pool has been completed following demolition of the old building, which suffered delays due to asbestos removal. Meanwhile, digging required for the learner pool is ongoing.
The pool, which will be operated by Everyone Active, who will pay for its day-to-day running costs, could be open in early 2026. For more information visit Eston Pool | YourVoiceMatters
Eston Rec project
More than £1m is going on this project from the Levelling Up Partnerships scheme. A design consultant, Southern Green, was appointed last year and a public consultation took place in the autumn over a proposed masterplan incorporating a new skate park, football pitch improvements, outdoor gym equipment, improved footpaths, lighting and furniture and wildlife planting and ponds, along with new trees and landscaping.
CCTV will also be installed in a bid to deter anti-social behaviour and the hope is the improvements will see the area used more widely by local residents. An expression of interest is being submitted to Sport England by the council in order to secure further funding with the required planning permission also being sought. The project could be completed in March 2026.
For further information visit Eston Recreation Ground | YourVoiceMatters
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