Redcar Steel House is still standing empty after grand plans

The six storey high Steel House which can be seen from the A1085 Redcar Trunk Road was once the buzzing administrative hub for British Steel on Teesside and successors Corus and SSI UK, where top executives would meet.

It was later mothballed after the closure of the Redcar steelworks in 2015 with one of its last acts hosting local taskforce representatives attempting to find work and training opportunities for those who were employed there.

The South Tees Development Corporation (STDC) said Steel House had “not been forgotten” and its future remained under review, taking account of market conditions, demand for office space, and overall viability. 

Meanwhile, at a recent meeting, members of the growth scrutiny committee at Redcar and Cleveland Council were similarly told that no development had commenced due to “viability challenges and changes in office demand”.

In February 2021 Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said it was a “no brainer that Steel House should be saved” and welcomed plans to transform the building.

An announcement promised a new look keeping the original structure intact, but adding “dramatic cladding, artificial external lighting and additional windows and light wells…to bring it into the 21st century, signalling the cutting-edge industries the site will attract”.

The intention was to provide new office space along with services for people based at Teesworks, including a creche, coffee shop and gym, while the surrounding landscape would be “carefully redeveloped to provide impressive scenic grounds that will incorporate areas for outdoor eating, relaxation and exercise”.

In June of that year Mr Houchen was pictured with workers tasked with stripping out the building and removing more than 3,500 pieces of redundant furniture and equipment in order that the condition of the building could be investigated ahead of further remediation.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen pictured in 2021 with staff working on the Steel House revamp. Picture/credit: Ian Cooper/Teesside Live. Free for use for all LDRS partners.

The first tenants were predicted to move into the newly refurbished building within 18 to 24 months.

The mayor said it would “wow investors” looking to base themselves at Teesworks.

The 240,000 square feet Steel House, which was first opened in 1978, is situated only a short distance away from the main entrance to Teesworks and also a new park and ride facility that has been built to serve the reclaimed steelworks site.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked the STDC, which is responsible for the economic regeneration of the South Tees area, whether there were continued costs associated with maintaining and securing the imposing building, and whether a case could be made out for its demolition.

A spokesman said: “The building itself has already been taken back to a bare structural shell as part of earlier works. 

The former boardroom at Steel House. Picture/credit: Ian Cooper/Teesside Live. Free for use for all LDRS partners.

“As a result, there are no direct ongoing costs associated with maintaining its internal fabric, and there are no standalone security costs specific to Steel House. 

“It sits within the wider Teesworks estate and is covered by existing estate‑wide security arrangements.”

The spokesman added: “Steel House remains part of the wider Teesworks estate, and while redevelopment options have been considered previously, it is not currently within our immediate delivery programme.

 “Our focus is firmly on progressing a number of significant inward investment opportunities across Teesworks that will deliver substantial economic impact in terms of jobs, industrial activity, and long‑term regeneration. 

“These opportunities necessarily take priority at this stage.

 “That said, Steel House has not been forgotten. 

“We continue to keep its future under review as part of the ongoing evolution of the Teesworks masterplan, taking account of market conditions, demand for office space, and overall viability. 

“All options remain open and will be considered at the appropriate time.”