Plans for metal replica to replace park lodge

A condemned lodge next to a museum could be replaced with a "partial metal sculpture of itself".

Stockton Council is seeking permission to demolish the South Lodge, near Preston Park Museum, which has been boarded up after being vandalised.

It would enhance the entrance to the grounds of the museum, which is currently undergoing a multimillion-pound upgrade, the local authority says.

The new structure would consist of three arch-like alloy steel structures and there would also be boards showing the history of the area.

The lodge was built between 1919 and 1939 to replace an earlier building, and the sculpture would follow the original lodge's scale and footprint, representing its bays, roof line and chimney.

Demolition would also open up views of the track where the world's first steam train passenger railway made its premier journey between Shildon and Stockton in September 1825.

The location would be marked by metal rails and paving stone sleepers.

A design and access statement from Ryder Architecture said the "unappealing" park entrance needed to be improved for visitor safety and "a clearer and more welcoming first impression", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It said the structure would make a gathering space for people arriving at the park and groups on walks along the railway line, and encourage people to explore the railway line with an "attractive contemporary feature".

Councillor Steve Nelson, cabinet member for health, culture and leisure, said installations would "tell visitors about the world changing events in this location".

He added: "The site is listed and lies along a scheduled ancient monument so planning considerations will be very carefully considered by the planning committee."

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