Bird’ s eye view – an aerial shot of the new urban park.
WATERFRONT
Urban park delivered by Esh Construction marks bold new
chapter for Stockton
WONDER
Riverside road – the A1305 runs next to and under the park.
A
major new chapter has begun on the banks of the River Tees as Stockton Waterfront urban park welcomes the public into one of the North-East’ s most ambitious regeneration projects in years.
Delivered by Esh Construction in partnership with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, the £ 23m scheme has transformed a prominent stretch of the town centre into a vibrant, multi-functional public space, reconnecting Stockton High Street with the waterfront and creating a destination for residents, visitors and businesses alike.
Set against the backdrop of a changing high street and evolving town-centre priorities, the urban park has been conceived as far more than a public realm project. For Stockton-On-Tees Borough Council, it forms a central part of a longterm regeneration blueprint that will help shape the borough over the next 25 years. Designed to increase footfall, support economic activity and create opportunities for events and leisure, the scheme also strengthens the connection between the town centre and the River Tees.
The park officially opened to the public in June, marking the culmination of a capital project that began with Esh developing designs alongside the council, Ryder Architecture and AtkinsRéalis from June 2022 before beginning construction in December 2023.
For Esh Construction, the project underlines its ability to deliver complex public realm and infrastructure schemes that combine technical delivery with longterm value.
According to divisional director Steven Garrigan, the completion of Stockton Waterfront Urban Park is a significant milestone for both Esh and Stockton-On- Tees Borough Council.
He said:“ This project demonstrates our ability to deliver complex, high-profile infrastructure that creates long-term value. It reflects the collective approach taken with our partners and supply chain and is something we take great pride in – bringing together the expertise, care and commitment required to create a highquality, accessible space that will continue to support social and economic activity in the town for years to come.”
At the heart of the transformation is a 55m-wide land bridge spanning the A1305 Riverside Road, creating uninterrupted pedestrian access between the High Street and the riverside. It stands as a defining engineering feature and a clear expression
62