Demolition work on the former Marks and Spencer and Goodwins buildings in Redcar town centre will begin later this month.
The work will start on Monday, May 20 and will be followed by the construction of an exciting new venue for family-friendly entertainment.
This follows several months of internal works including the safe removal of asbestos, the roof and internal demolition.
To allow the work on the external frontages of both buildings to be carried out safely, a temporary closure of one lane of the Esplanade will be in place between May 20 and May 24.
Once the demolition of the frontages is complete, the temporary lane closure will be removed and the demolition of the remainder of the buildings will then continue. The footpath on the Esplanade alongside the frontage of the buildings will remain closed while this is completed.
A detailed computer-generated film, which shows how the demolition will happen, is available to watch here: redcarcleveland.uk.engagementhq.com/culture-and-leisure-anchor-attraction/widgets/60381/videos/4774
This work has been scheduled to take place ahead of the school half-term holiday and the Redcar Kite Festival on Redcar seafront.
Local businesses have been briefed on the works and temporary signage will promote them while the demolition is taking place.
The family-friendly entertainment venue is among projects developed by the Redcar Town Deal board following consultation with the public. The board is made up of industry experts, business leaders, the local MP and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council representatives.
Catherine Clennett, chair of the Redcar Town Deal board, said: “The new family-friendly venue will be transformational for the high street and will significantly increase the number of residents and visitors using the town centre.
“The project is central to the plans to redevelop Redcar through the Town Deal funding and a great deal of preparation work has been completed so we can now watch the development become a reality.
“There will be a managed amount of disruption during the first stage of demolition but great care has been taken to keep this to a minimum and to schedule it prior to the bank holiday weekend and school holiday.”
Keep up to date with the progress of all the Redcar Town Deal projects at Redcar Town Deal | YourVoiceMatters (engagementhq.com)
Editor’s note: Redcar was awarded £25m of Town Deal money by the Government in 2021 to fund transformational projects in the town. The money has funded projects which are currently being developed. Majority funding for the Beach Base coastal activity hub was provided by the Tees Valley Combined Authority.
The Rediscover Redcar shop is open for business 10am – 4pm Monday to Friday.