STOCKTON NEWS
WORK STARTS AHEAD OF CASTLEGATE DEMOLITION
Work has begun on the demolition of Castlegate Shopping Centre and Swallow Hotel , which is set to transform the heart of Stockton .
The buildings are being demolished to create an urban park , riverside plaza and land bridge structure that will connect Stockton High Street to the River Tees .
The first phase will involve the complete demolition of the Swallow Hotel , the multistorey carpark and the southern end of the shopping centre up to John Walker Square .
It is expected that the first phase of demolition will continue until autumn .
A detailed engagement process is also underway with businesses to ensure that every effort is made to minimise disruption in the immediate area and surrounding town centre .
The demolition will take around 12 months
Valve firm set for double growth
A Stockton valve company is aiming to capitalise on the region ’ s growing hydrogen sector and is also set to double the size of its headquarters .
MCE Group , established in 1990 , provides valve shutdown and repair technologies and supplies ValvTechnologies ’ range of zero-leakage isolation valves to industries including power , chemical / petrochemical , oil and gas and manufacturing .
The firm currently employs 23 within its 8,000-sq ft Portrack HQ and its satellite workshop in Warrington , Cheshire .
Its headquarters will more than double when it moves to a 19,000-sq ft facility at Preston Farm next March . MCE also plans to take on new technicians and administration staff .
to complete before the construction and redevelopment of Stockton Waterfront begins next summer .
The demolition is being carried out by MGL Demolition and the design and contractor Esh Construction will undertake the construction of the waterfront development , with the site set to be complete by 2025 .
Councillor Nigel Cooke , cabinet member for housing and regeneration at Stockton Council , said : “ This is a momentous step in the regeneration and repurposing of the borough ’ s town centres .
“ The public shared our vision for demolishing Castlegate and the Swallow Hotel and creating a fantastic riverside park , building on what we are doing on the High Street by placing more emphasis on events and festivals .”
Hydrogen process could be ‘ game-changer ’ for Stockton firm
A Stockton company has developed a method of generating hydrogen from seawater that doesn ’ t produce oxygen gas .
Independent research and development company Torvex Energy has patents pending on its unique electrochemical process and has collaborated with the Teesside-based Material Processing Institute to establish proof of concept .
Backed by an angel investor , Torvex Energy – which has more than 30 years of experience in marine and chemical engineering – has spent several years refining the process to ensure it generates green hydrogen of the highest purity and output .
It is now seeking partners and is meeting with interested parties to progress from a pilot project to commercial production .
Stockton charity honoured with Queen ’ s award
A Stockton-based charity has scooped the prestigious Queen ’ s Award for Voluntary Service .
Founded and run by local couple Brian and Stella Jones and a small team of volunteers , the Moses Project is a lifeline for adult men with past and current addictions to drugs and alcohol .
The project offers mentoring and support , help with housing and benefit applications , introductions to a positive lifestyle and one-to-one support , alongside regular team-building activities and outings .
It is supported by Stockton Borough Council outreach services and homeless section , CGL , probation services , NHS mental health , housing associations and three Christian rehab centres that offer supervised detox .
NEW SWIMMING POOL INCLUDED IN THORNABY BID
Major investment in Thornaby is one step closer as the £ 23.9m Town Deal takes shape with the submission of its four business case documents .
Thornaby Town Deal Board , which has led the development and prioritisation of investment for Thornaby , approved the business cases submitted by Stockton Borough Council to the government for assessment .
The detailed business cases set out exciting plans for investment in a new swimming pool in the town centre and the relocation of NETA Training Group from Portrack Lane to a purpose-built facility next to Stockton Riverside College .
Proposals also include improvements to Victoria Park and Community Centre .
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