Stockton Waterfront urban park set to welcome first visitors

Stockton Waterfront will welcome its first visitors across the weekend of June 21 and 22 and will play host to a day of community-led celebrations as part of Stockton’s Armed Forces Day.

The opening marks the culmination of a five-year transformation of Stockton Town Centre.

Stockton Waterfront (Image: CHAPMAN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY)

Councillor Richard Eglington, cabinet member for regeneration and housing at Stockton Council, said: “Stockton Waterfront urban park will be a nationally recognisable new space for the Borough’s residents and visitors.

“We are in the final stages of construction and subject to this timeline being met, we are very excited to be able to welcome people to the park in June.

“This is about repurposing Stockton to make it fit for the future and the exciting opportunities that will come from a development like this. The town will have more leisure space and more working space, as well as a retail presence, which is set to increase footfall.”

Stockton Waterfront (Image: CHAPMAN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY)

The urban park reconnects the High Street to the River Tees via a land bridge, creating direct, uninterrupted access to the riverfront.

The design features a mix of flexible event spaces, including an amphitheatre, a central stage area, and a large oval lawn, supporting everything from specialist markets to large-scale public gatherings.

There are also three large-scale play zones for families, with standout attractions such as two large slides, an adventure path, and a tightrope walk.

Stockton Waterfront (Image: CHAPMAN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY)

Final construction activities are under way, with the amphitheatre and play equipment installation close to being completed. Paving on the riverside area is continuing, with surfacing works beginning soon.

Planting has already been finished in the Finkle Gardens area, and 150 trees have been installed across the site.

Following this, Esh Construction will commence a phased handover of the site to the council during May.

Stockton Waterfront (Image: CHAPMAN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY)

Stockton Council’s operational teams will then carry out inspections, equipment safety and compliance testing, signage installation, and other preparatory works throughout the site.

A Changing Places accessible facility will also be fitted out ahead of the grand opening.

The opening will include community previews, offering groups, young people, and stakeholders a first look at the space before it is fully open to the public.

Stockton Riverside (Image: CHAPMAN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY)

Riverside Road, the A1305, will reopen following the Armed Forces Day celebrations.

Councillor Eglington believes the scheme reflects the council’s ambitions for a modern, vibrant town.

He said: “There’ll be something for everyone as they explore the different areas of the park and it will really set the scene for our world-class events programme in the future.

Stockton Riverside (Image: CHAPMAN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY)

“This project is a unique opportunity to drive further change in the area and we have big plans to ensure Stockton is a place where people want to live, work and visit now and in the future.”

Steven Garrigan, divisional director at Esh Construction, said the project represents a significant chapter in Stockton’s regeneration.

Mr Garrigan said: “As we close in on completion, it’s incredibly rewarding to see Stockton Waterfront coming to life as a truly transformational space for the borough.

“This has been a complex and ambitious project, and we’re proud to be delivering an urban park that will be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

“The urban park marks an important milestone in the town’s wider regeneration journey.

“Along with our design partners Billinghurst, George and Partners and Ryder Architecture, we’ve worked closely with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council throughout and remain fully committed to supporting a smooth handover.”

The urban park stands on the former site of Castlegate Shopping Centre and the Swallow Hotel, both of which were demolished in 2022 to make way for the new development.

It is expected to act as a catalyst for change, investment and external growth across the Borough.