Stockton Waterfront urban park, one of the region’s most significant regeneration projects, is now complete and ready to open on Saturday, June 20.
The opening coincides with the borough’s Armed Forces Day celebrations.
Paul Rowling, deputy leader and cabinet member for resources and regeneration at Stockton 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.
Mike Greene, chief executive of StocktonCouncil, Nigel Cummings, Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, council leader Councillor Lisa Evans, cabinet member for resources and regeneration Councillor Paul Rowling and Steve McClean from Esh Construction (Image: Stuart Boulton)
“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.”
The project has created a “dynamic green space” in the heart of Stockton town centre, connecting the High Street to the River Tees via a 55-metre land bridge.
The bridge spans the A1305 Riverside Road, which has been realigned and reduced to a single carriageway in each direction.
Stockton Waterfront Urban Park is set to be officially opened, marking the completion of a major five-year regeneration project and coinciding with Armed Forces Day celebrations (Image: Graham Brown @ Chapman Brown Photography)
The park replaces the former Castlegate Shopping Centre and Swallow Hotel, covering an area three times the size of Trafalgar Square.
Construction began in 2020 following public consultation and was delivered by Esh Construction.
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.”
The park offers flexible spaces for Stockton’s events programme, including food and drink pop-ups, markets, and community activities.
Key features include an amphitheatre, oval lawn, Finkle Square, landscaped gardens, heritage displays, and three play areas designed for children and families.
The amphitheatre features 402 granite steps and a bespoke poem titled “Hidden Depths” by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, reflecting on Stockton’s connection to the River Tees.
The play areas were designed in collaboration with Timberplay Ltd, Ryder Architecture, and Stockton Parent Carers Forum.
They include two large timber towers, slides, wheelchair-accessible elements, sand and water play, sensory experiences, musical instruments, and quiet zones.
The park also tells the story of Stockton’s past through illustrations, sculptures, and text.
It celebrates the Stockton and Darlington Railway with railway interpretation and a large solar powered sculpture installed close to the riverside.
More than 17,000 plants have been installed, representing 224 species and including 153 trees.
The planting scheme was designed by the late RHS Ambassador Nigel Dunnett.
The project was funded by the council with £16.5 million from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and £20 million from the Tees Valley Combined Authority.
Nesil Caliskan, Minister for Devolution, Local Growth and Communities, 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.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen described the park as a transformational project.
Mr Houchen said: “The completion of this fantastic new Waterfront Park is a landmark moment for Stockton.
“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.”
Councillor Rowling said the opening marks both an end and a new beginning.
He said: “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.”
