STOCKTON NEWS
JOBSEEKERS ’ PROJECT GETS BUILDING SOCIETY FUNDING
NEW IMAGES SHOW EVENT SPACES ON PROPOSED WATERFRONT
New pictures show the latest design for the urban park and riverside plaza at Stockton Waterfront , including exciting event spaces , unique play areas for all ages and opportunities for pop-up food and drink concessions .
A Reserved Matters planning application shows how the concept masterplan has been developed to create a transformational public space for residents and visitors .
The design , which has been influenced by the findings of the council ’ s public engagement sessions in the summer , incorporates event spaces , play areas , heritage influences and opportunities for pop-up concessions across a flexible , accessible urban park that will link the High Street to Stockton riverside
The latest images of the emerging design
offer insight into key locations across the urban park , including two large event spaces , an oval lawn space close to the High Street and an amphitheatre and a large terraced area with accessible ramps and stepped routes linking down to the riverside .
The area close to Finkle Street , named Finkle Square , creates an entry point to the urban park and can play host to events and markets as well as seating and heritage opportunities . It will reflect Finkle Street ’ s character and include an intimate setting with tree planting .
A large-scale play area will be the centre point of the park , along with play and water features .
Seating areas and shelter are included , and the design also provides a toilet block in the heart of the park , close to play areas .
Construction will begin after the complete demolition of the Castlegate site .
Teesside jobseekers are getting extra support in their search for work thanks to a new project from a local charity that ’ s been backed by a four-figure grant .
The Five Lamps Organisation is working with community organisations to identify local people who could benefit from extra employment support and then delivering individualised support packages to help them prepare to find the jobs they want .
Five Lamps has used the £ 3,000 Newcastle Building Society grant to set up and cover the running costs of the new project , and it is hoping to significantly increase the number of local people on the programme this year .
Roofing firm on track for record £ 9m + turnover
Stockton-headquartered TaperedPlus , a national leader in the design and supply of flat roofing , is on target to increase turnover by 26 per cent to more than £ 9m .
The independent company enjoyed a successful 2021-22 , partly due to increased demand for insulation due to spiralling energy costs .
As well as improving the thermal performance of flat roofing , there is also a move to upgrade older structures to noncombustible materials ahead of expected legislation changes , insurance industry pressure and owners future-proofing their assets .
TaperedPlus has grown turnover every year since being established in 2014 by Aman Chahal and Rob Vass , except for 2020 , due to the pandemic .
Mayor cuts ribbon at new Aon office
Ben Houchen joined Aon staff in Stockton as the company officially opened its new premises in Fast Track House in Thornaby .
The team at Aon , a leading global professional services company , invited the Tees Valley mayor to cut the ribbon to officially mark the occasion . The new office is located in Fast Track House on the southern bank of the River Tees in Thornaby .
The building opened in September 2022 after a significant refurbishment by owner Regus .
Its fully serviced , flexible working , vibrant and modern office environment appealed to Aon as it supports a hybrid working model which benefits its employees .
Work starts on £ 6.2m school extension
Work is underway on a multimillion-pound expansion to provide extra classroom capacity at a Stockton school .
A £ 6.2m investment on the Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth site includes a new block to provide high-quality classrooms to accommodate increased pupil admissions , as well as work to create an additional science facility .
The expansion is part of Stockton Council ’ s £ 57.7m investment into the borough ’ s schools and nurseries .
The new building will enable the school to increase Year 7 admission numbers from September 2023 .
The local authority identified the need to increase the number of secondary places because of an increase in population and new housing developments .
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