Plans for flagship Barker and Stonehouse store in Teesside OK-ed

Furniture retailer Barker and Stonehouse has been given the green light from Stockton Borough Council to create a flagship store in Teesside.

Plans were approved by the council’s planning committee this week April 16 for a state-of-the-art showcase store and head office to be built at Teesside Retail Park.

Work is intended to commence on site in June with the opening expected for early 2015. The new store will bring long-term benefits for the economy of Teesside and a shopping experience with a ‘wow’ factor for customers.

James Barker, managing director of Barker and Stonehouse says, “We are thrilled with the committee’s decision and to have had the support of the council. The new store will create significant work for local firms on Teesside – from design, build and fit out to additional roles in store.”

Covering 4,827sqm, the new store will be situated at the entrance to the Teesside Retail Park.

James Barker added: “The site provides an excellent location for our new store, allowing us to raise the bar and design a top quality, uniquely inspiring environment that customers will really enjoy visiting.”

The Leader of Stockton Borough Council, Councillor Bob Cook, said: “This is a prominent site on a key gateway into the Borough and we have always said we want a high quality development there and not just the first one that comes along.

“We have not wavered from this course and we will soon have our wish. We can now look forward to the arrival of one of the country’s most prestigious companies bringing not just a flagship store, but also its head office, to Stockton.”