Views wanted over shopping centre redesign

A public consultation is under way over plans to transform a "dated" shopping centre.

Much of Eston Precinct, near Redcar, is set to be demolished as part of the revamp with images of the proposed replacement scheme now released.

The local council says it is aiming to draw on Eston's heritage as part of the design, in particular its railway and mining history.

The project is being paid for with £7.9m of Levelling Up funding from the government and £2m from the Tees Valley Combined Authority.

Redcar and Cleveland Council said Eston had "faced many challenges" in recent years.

"Empty shops on Eston’s High Street, for instance, have increased while the existing Eston Precinct is a dated retail environment.

"The proposed redevelopment therefore aims to provide high-quality retail and leisure facilities and will enhance the surrounding area with new paving, trees and benches.

"These developments will help to attract new retailers and provide a better and more vibrant environment for residents to shop."

Last month, Redcar's Labour MP, Anna Turley, said people in the area had been "waiting a long time for the redevelopment of the precinct, and while progress hasn't been as quick as we'd like, things are moving forward".

Once a planning application had been submitted and approved by the local authority, construction works were due to start next April and be completed in spring 2026, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

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