MGL Demolition appointed for Stockton Waterfront development

MGL Demolition has been appointed to demolish the Castlegate Shopping Centre and Swallow Hotel. This will enable the redevelopment scheme to create Stockton Waterfront, a bold and visionary urban park in the heart of the Town Centre.

Following last year’s planning approval for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s ambitious plans, the development will help transform the Town Centre, tackle its empty shops, and encourage new uses.

The first stage of the project will begin on Monday, 23 May, with enabling works and a strip-out before the main demolition works begin in late July. The demolition will take around 12 months to complete.

Mark Davison, Joint Chief Executive of MGL Group, said: “We are extremely proud to be appointed to undertake the demolition of the Castlegate Shopping Centre and Swallow Hotel. This is an important project which will breathe new life into the High Street and open up the town to the river and we are delighted to be playing a role in that.

“MGL Demolition has over 50 years’ experience delivering works of this nature and we look forward to continuing our successful working relationship with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. Importantly, the local population will benefit in a variety of ways, from community engagement initiatives and local business involvement in the project, as well as being able to enjoy a fantastic new environment in the town.”

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: “We are ambitious for the Borough and the scale of change that we are driving in Stockton Town Centre is validation of that.

“If you want to achieve big things you have to deliver big projects and we’re working with the best to deliver something that’s bold, different and is really transformational.

“We’re delighted to be working with MGL Demolition and Esh Construction to develop this amazing waterfront site that will cement Stockton as a place for future generations to enjoy.”

The project is being part-funded with a £20million investment from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is a great step forward for this massive project, which will breathe new life into Stockton Town Centre and reinvigorate its high street.

“Just days after the launch of Mayoral Development Corporations in Hartlepool and Middlesbrough, which will cut through red tape and supercharge redevelopment, it’s fantastic to see Stockton is cracking on with their ambitious plans to reshape their town centre.

“Our funding and this latest news will mean local people will see a real change for the better in a matter of months, not years.”