BUILDING WHAT COMES NEXT
Amphitheatre – 402 granite steps link the upper and lower parks.
Green space – landscaping is a big feature of the new development.
Playtime – the park includes three play areas. of the scheme’ s ambition: to remove barriers and create a seamless route between Stockton’ s commercial core and its waterfront setting.
While the engineering is significant, the finished park is designed around people. It introduces a range of welcoming spaces intended to encourage activity, dwell time and year-round use.
These include an amphitheatre, flexible event space at the Oval Lawn, landscaped gardens and three play areas designed by Timberplay to appeal across age groups. The amphitheatre links the upper and lower park, spanning 2,000 sq m and featuring 402 granite steps and seating units to create a natural focal point for events and gatherings. A poem by poet laureate Simon Armitage is embedded within the space, reflecting local heritage and the town’ s connection to the river.
Landscaping plays a defining role in the park’ s identity. More than 17,000 plants and 153 trees have been included, creating a richly planted environment within the town centre. A standout feature is the 18m-tall Platanus orientalis Minaret, positioned on the Oval Lawn and bringing to life the vision of the late RHS ambassador Nigel Dunnett.
Granite paving, planting and integrated play features combine to create a space that is contemporary, welcoming and suited to everyday use, while also capable of hosting larger civic and community events.
That long-term legacy is central to the council’ s ambitions. Beyond its immediate impact, the park is intended to act as a catalyst – supporting confidence in the town centre, unlocking future investment and encouraging people to spend more time in Stockton.
Stockton-On-Tees Borough Council deputy leader and cabinet member for resources and regeneration, Cllr Paul Rowling, said:“ Stockton Waterfront Urban Park is going to have a transformational effect on the borough, the wider Tees Valley and beyond. This is a huge investment and demonstrates the scale of our ambition to continue to make the borough a place to live, work and do business.
“ It’ s critical that we adapt to the challenges town centres are facing to drive growth, create opportunities and improve our communities. The Waterfront Park is set to be a catalyst for further investment and future regeneration, including Tees Central.”
Alongside the physical transformation, the project has generated £ 8.2m of social value, representing a 34 % return on investment. Across the project, 775 days of industry placements were provided to Stockton residents, with apprentices and trainees contributing a further 2,236 days on site, alongside 546 volunteering hours supporting community initiatives.
With the park now open, Stockton gains more than a new public space. It gains a landmark that reflects the town’ s ambition, strengthens its connection to the river and creates a platform for future regeneration.
For residents, it offers a place to meet, play and relax. For the council, it is a clear statement of intent – and for the wider Tees Valley, a visible sign of how investment in place can help shape a more confident future.
For more about Esh Construction, visit eshgroup. co. uk
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