'Eyesore' hotel brought under council control

An "eyesore" hotel has been brought under council control as part of regeneration plans for a town centre.

The dilapidated Golden Eagle in Thornaby, on Teesside, is set to be bulldozed early next year ahead of redevelopment aimed at making the area "vibrant and economically successful".

Stockton Borough Council said the step ended "years of uncertainty" over the building's future.

The transformation efforts are being partly funded with almost £24m from the government's Town Deal programme.

Included in the plans are a new swimming pool, gym and leisure facility for a site near Phoenix House, which was demolished last year.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said the Golden Eagle had "blighted Thornaby for a long time".

He added: "We've been waiting a number of years for this day and I am delighted that it's finally here.

"The council has been working through complex lease arrangements to find a resolution.

"The Eagle is an eyesore in its current state and is a barrier to unlocking further development in the town centre, so it's fantastic news to be able to say that we are now in control of the building."

Andy McDonald, Labour MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, said that while people had "fond memories of the Golden Eagle from its heyday ... it's been a blot on the landscape for too long".

"There are wonderful things to come and I can't wait to see developments start to happen," he added.

A planning application for its demolition is due to be submitted by the end of the year.

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