Stockton set to unveil 'landmark' Waterfront Park

An urban park is opening in Stockton following a five-year regeneration project designed to reconnect the town centre with the River Tees.

Stockton Waterfront will welcome its first visitors this weekend (Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June), marking the completion of one of the North East’s most ambitious town centre transformation schemes.

Led by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, the development has reshaped the area formerly occupied by the Castlegate Shopping Centre and Swallow Hotel, replacing the site with a large public park that links Stockton High Street directly to the River Tees.

At the centre of the project is a 55-metre land bridge spanning the A1305 Riverside Road, allowing pedestrians to walk uninterrupted from the High Street to the waterfront. 

Aerial view of Stockton Waterfront

As part of the scheme, the road has been realigned and reduced to a single carriageway in each direction.

The new park covers an area around three times the size of Trafalgar Square and has been designed to support a wide range of uses, from large-scale events and festivals to markets, food concessions and everyday community activities.

Delivered by Bowburn-headquartered Esh Construction, the space includes an amphitheatre, landscaped gardens, open lawns, play areas and public squares. 

The amphitheatre features 402 granite steps and incorporates a bespoke poem, Hidden Depths, created by UK Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, celebrating Stockton’s historic relationship with the River Tees.

Families are expected to be drawn to the park’s extensive play facilities, which include two large timber towers, slides, sand and water play features and a range of accessible and sensory-focused elements.

The facilities were developed through collaboration between Timberplay Ltd, Ryder Architecture and Stockton Parent Carers Forum to ensure inclusive use for children of all abilities.

Councillor Paul Rowling, deputy leader and cabinet member for resources and regeneration at Stockton-on-Tees Borough 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.

“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.

“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.”

Andy Radcliffe, chief executive at Esh Construction, added: “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.

“I’m incredibly proud of the expertise and commitment shown by everyone involved, right through to the supply chain that has supported the project to completion. 

“The result is a high-quality, accessible space that will bring lasting social and economic value to the town.”

The park also showcases Stockton’s heritage through a series of illustrations, sculptures and interpretive installations. 

References to the Stockton and Darlington Railway – the world’s first public railway to use steam locomotives for both freight and passenger service – feature prominently, including a solar-powered sculpture positioned near the riverside.

Environmental considerations have also played a significant role in the project. 

More than 17,000 plants, representing 224 species, have been installed alongside 153 trees. 

The planting scheme was designed by the late Nigel Dunnett, the internationally recognised landscape designer and former RHS Ambassador.

The project began in 2020 following public consultation, with demolition works commencing in 2022. 

Funding has been provided by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, alongside £16.5 million from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and £20 million from Tees Valley Combined Authority.

Nesil Caliskan MP, minister for devolution, local growth and communities, added: “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.

“It’s a dynamic and versatile space right in the heart of the town centre, and the UK Government is delighted to have invested £16.5 million to help make it happen."

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “The completion of this fantastic new Waterfront Park is a landmark moment for Stockton.

“It’s an outstanding example of what can be achieved when we work together with a shared vision – investing in our town centres to create welcoming, vibrant destinations for families and visitors alike.

“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.

“It demonstrates the scale of our ambition for our region, helping to attract further investment for the waterfront and stands as a powerful example to the rest of the country of how meaningful, successful town centre regeneration can be delivered.”

Find out more about how to get involved, host an event or an activity or trade at Stockton Waterfront, here.

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