Redcar Masterplan Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council
Masterplan Report Ryder Architecture Limited Cooper’s Studios 14-18 Westgate Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3NN United Kingdom
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This document has been designed to be viewed / printed A3 double sided. Project number 10268:00 Contents
Page Introduction 4
1 Executive Summary 5
2 Strategy 10 Background to the Masterplan 11 Planning Policy, Guidance, and Strategies 15 The Masterplan Process 21 Engagement 23
3 The Vision 29 The Vision 30
4 Analysis 33 Analysis 34 Current and Committed Projects 54 Challenges and Importunities 57
5 Masterplan 61 Masterplan Principles 62 Masterplan Options 67 Masterplan Proposals 72 Environmental 87 Covid 88 Health and Wellbeing 89
6 Implementation and Delivery 90 Implementation Plan 91
Conclusion 97
Revision Date Author Checked P1 18 December 2020 Cathy Russell Mark Clasper P2 6 January 2021 Cathy Russell Mark Clasper P3 21 January 2021 Cathy Russell Mark Clasper P4 22 January 2021 Cathy Russell Mark Clasper P5 26 January 2021 Cathy Russell Mark Clasper P6 28 January 2021 Cathy Russell Mark Clasper Introduction
This report, The Redcar Masterplan, has been produced on behalf of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council (RCBC) by Ryder Architecture, with Lichfields, SAJ Transport Consultants, Lambert Smith Hampton, The Mackinnon Partnership and Tourism UK.
The masterplan forms part of the work being undertaken to accompany Redcar’s submission to the Towns Fund administered by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
The aim of the Redcar Masterplan is to set out a spatial framework to demonstrate how the Vision for Redcar will be realised over the next 10 years, and beyond, through a suite of complementary and connected projects.
These proposals build on the current and committed projects already taking place in Redcar and draw on Redcar and Cleveland’s Area Growth Plans, Redcar Town Deal: Town Investment Plan, and other longer term projects, with a focus on placemaking and capital projects.
The Council and partners are already taking steps to make the masterplan a reality. This will transform Redcar into a vibrant, year round coastal destination which meets the needs of visitors and local residents, and will build on investment in the town to create a lasting legacy.
4 1 Executive Summary
5 Executive Summary
Our vision for the next 10 years is to maximise Redcar’s position on the North East coast and be a key asset in a thriving Tees Valley economy. Redcar will be a coastal town which people aspire to live in, with attractive residential areas, educational and cultural opportunities and a public realm which reflects our pride and investment in our place. Our people will have the aspirations and skills they need to take advantage of major industrial development sites, ensuring a secure and prosperous future for both themselves and the town.
You can find the full Vision statement on pages 30 - 32 in this document.
6 The Redcar Masterplan sets out how this Vision for the town will be achieved over the next 10 years and beyond. It builds on the town’s industrial heritage, resilient community spirit, ‘The Mighty Redcar’, and sense of place with its magnificent coastline.
Masterplan objectives Area Growth Plan projects (further detail on The Redcar Masterplan forms part of the these can be found in Redcar Growth Plan work being undertaken to accompany Redcar’s Refresh 2021-2025 (Redcar and Cleveland submission to the Towns Fund administered by Borough Council, 2020) the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The masterplan has been Longer term masterplan projects. By setting prepared in tandem with the Redcar Town Deal: the direction of travel for future projects and Town Investment Plan (Redcar and Cleveland establishing high quality development, these Borough Council, 2021) and will help guide interventions will support the visitor economy future investment in the area beyond the time to continue to grow and develop, and help to frame of the Town Deal (post 2030). improve the desirability of Redcar as a place to live, work, visit and invest in. These longer The masterplan has been created to ensure term projects, which are not identified within the Redcar positions itself to maximise the benefits Town Investment Plan or Area Growth Plans, that will flow from the huge growth atTeesworks , are aspirational and will be dependent on future the 4,500ha site of the former SSI Steelworks funding and subject to review and revision. and now the largest development site in the UK. The Tees Valley Combined Authority is currently The masterplan Proposals are shown You can find the Masterplan section on page 62 in this bidding to the Government to create a Freeport, diagramatically on page 73 (wider Redcar area) most of which would be in Redcar’s Town Deal and page 75 (Redcar town centre). These document. boundary. proposals are described in more detail on pages 76 - 86. Focusing on placemaking and capital projects, the masterplan sets out: The masterplan also sets out how these projects address the Council’s climate change Overarching principles for land uses, activities, goals (page 87) and contribute to health and connectivity, and public realm for the town centre wellbeing (page 89). and wider Redcar area. Future projects should align with these principles. The masterplan has been developed during the Covid-19 pandemic: a time of huge cultural Current and committed projects within Redcar, change, with restrictions on working together, for example, The Regent Cinema and Redcar meetings, public events, and travel, and with Central Station (further detail on these can be many people working from home. At the time found on pages 54 - 56 in this report). of writing, we do not know what the timescales for these restrictions will be, or the true legacy Town Investment Plan projects (further detail of Covid and its effect on the masterplan. The on these six projects can be found in the Redcar section on page 88 in this report describes how Town Deal: Town Investment Plan (Redcar Town the masterplan projects aim to address some of Deal Board, January 2021) the challenges brought about by Covid.
7 Engagement Key themes raised during the engagement Challenges and opportunities The Council also has exciting leisure proposals The masterplan has been steered by extensive included: Redcar benefits from astunning coastal for the seafront and £750,000 of forward public and stakeholder engagement. Due • Creating an attractive place for visitors and location which mixes the grittiness of the former funding from the Towns Fund has paved to restrictions associated with the Covid-19 tourism, and an all year round economy industrial sites, unspoilt beauty of the South Gare, the way for a private investor to commit to pandemic, this has taken the form of online • A friendly and supportive community – a great expansive beaches, surf, and wind turbines, building a new, modern hotel on the town’s workshops, a website, leaflets, and surveys. place to live and work contributing to a unique sense of place: Redcar is foreshore. The expected £25m Town Deal will • Encouraging / supporting independent a real hidden gem. deliver connectivity, skills and enterprise, and The development of the Vision was led by the businesses and events regeneration projects across the town centre and Town Deal Board (for further details on the • Establishing a consistent presence and The town faces challenges: the decline of the surrounding area. Board please refer to Redcar Town Deal: cultural identity steelworks, a struggling high street, poor leisure Town Investment Plan) and involved surveys / • Skills and education and residential offer, and areas of deprivation and Redcar’s major development site and workshops with Town Deal Board members, • Inclusive connectivity poor connectivity (see the Analysis section which opportunity for radical change comes from local ward councillors, and online surveys of local • A vibrant town centre starts on page 34 in this report). People are held Teesworks, the 4,500ha site of the former SSI residents and other stakeholders. • Improving perceptions of the town, including back by lower than average skills levels, lower Steelworks which is being developed to create a clear brand and identity than average incomes and higher unemployment. a home for advanced technology, sustainable As part of this consultation, a project website, • Things to do for residents and visitors, More can be found on this within the Redcar innovation and clean energy projects. Over incorporating the vision, an overview of the draft including family attractions Town Deal: Town Investment Plan (Redcar Town £200m is already committed to remediate and masterplan and descriptions of potential Town Deal Board, January 2021). prepare land for development and significant Investment Plan projects, was prepared. A The masterplan reflects the findings of this progress has been made on site acquisition and total of 2,188 people completed the survey and engagement process. Redcar is also on the verge of huge clearance. the results demonstrated a high level of public opportunities. Redcar & Cleveland Borough support for the projects being taken forward. Further details on engagement can be Council have recently developed the Kirkleatham Some parts of site are already being developed, found in Redcar Town Deal: Stakeholder Walled Garden visitor attraction, and are currently generating jobs and growth in both construction Engagement Report (Redcar Town Deal rebuilding the town’s cinema as a modern, state and operational phases. It is expected that once Board, January 2021). of the art cultural facility. Our Central Station now fully occupied, the site will have created 20,000 benefits from Transpennine Express services to jobs and will generate £1 billion pounds of Manchester Airport, and will itself be transformed economic output each year. from a near derelict shell into a living, thriving station building in the near future. The masterplan demonstrates how Redcar can take advantage of these opportunities to ensure the success of the town during and beyond the Town Deal timeframe.
Local Residents Vibrant Town Centre Regent Cinema Teesport
8 Structure of the Masterplan Report Masterplan Strategy Masterplan Principles (pages 62 - 66) draws Background to the masterplan (pages 11 together the challenges and opportunities into - 14) begins by setting the context for the an overall spatial framework for the town centre masterplan. This introduces Redcar, its location, and wider Redcar area. This demonstrates how the masterplan study area, and the relationship the different ‘quarters’ within Redcar connect between the Masterplan and the Town with and complement each other, and Redcar’s Investment Plan. existing context and community.
Planning Policy, Guidance, and Strategies Forming part of the masterplan process, (pages 15 - 20) describes the planning context Masterplan Options (pages 67 - 71) outlines which underpins the masterplan, and summarises the initial ‘long list’ of ideas and options which previous spatial strategies for Redcar. were developed to address the challenges and opportunities. These options were adapted and The Masterplan Process (pages 21 - 22) rationalised to form the Masterplan Proposals. outlines the development of the masterplan, from information gathering and analysis, through to the Masterplan Proposals (pages 72 - 75) includes final masterplan and Town Investment Plan. the two key Masterplan Proposals diagrams (town centre and wider Redcar area) which Engagement (pages 23 - 28) summarises the identify the locations of the final masterplan engagement undertaken with different groups of projects including Area Growth Plan projects, people. Full details of the engagement process Town Investment Plan projects, and a suite of and results can be found in Redcar Town Deal: proposed longer term projects. Descriptions, Stakeholder Engagement Report (Redcar Town indicative sketches and precedent images are Deal Board, January 2021). used throughout this section to illustrate the Redcar Seafront projects. The masterplan also sets out how Vision these projects address the Council’s climate The Vision (pages 30 - 32) provides a strategic change goals, the challenges of the Covid framework to help to shape the identification pandemic, and more broadly contribute to health and prioritising of interventions, as well as the and wellbeing. longer term spatial framework which will guide investment to 2030 and beyond. Implementation and Delivery The Implementation Plan (pages 91 - 96) Analysis sets out indicative timescales, funding, and The Analysis section (pages 34 - 53) provides an delivery mechanisms for the Area Growth Plan assessment of the existing place and community, projects, Town Investment Plan projects, and a including Redcar’s heritage, key assets, land suite of proposed longer term projects. These uses, green and blue infrastructure, and longer term projects are aspirational and will connections. Stakeholder discussions providing be dependent on future funding and subject to insight to specific challenges within Redcar review and revision. are summarised, and Current and Committed Projects are also outlined within this section. This report concludes with a summary of the masterplan (page 97). Challenges and Opportunities (pages 57 - 60) collates the analysis and describes the key The masterplan will be reviewed after three placemaking challenges and opportunities facing years, aligning with Area Growth Plan and Town Redcar. Investment Plan timescales, and will be subject to ongoing review following this.
9 2 Strategy
10 Background to the Masterplan
Redcar’s location and context Redcar is the largest town in Redcar and Cleveland, with a population of around 38,000 people. It is situated around 12km to the east of Middlesbrough, on the Cleveland coast at the mouth of the River Tees, between Hartlepool to the north, and the seaside destination’s Saltburn- by-the-Sea and Whitby to the south.
Although the traditional employment base of the town and surrounding area has been manufacturing, including steel, chemicals and heavy engineering, these industries have declined in recent years. As a result, local unemployment rates have been rising. Historically, Redcar also functioned as a major seaside destination, with an attractive beach and other natural assets on its doorstep, although this role has also decreased in recent years.
Redcar in the UK context
Redcar in the regional context
11 The plan showing Redcar in its local context identifies the Town Deal area. For further information on this please refer to Redcar Town Deal: Town Investment Plan (Redcar Town Deal Board, January 2021).This area includes Redcar town centre and the wider area, including Teesworks, Wilton International, Kirkleatham and Redcar’s residential areas. This forms the basis of the study area for the Mastrplan.
Redcar in its local context
12 The requirement for a Redcar Masterplan Redcar’s major development site and opportunity The Redcar Masterplan is required to This will include other areas within the town The Redcar Masterplan forms part of the work for radical change comes from Teesworks, demonstrate how these opportunities fit together which are not the focus of the Town Investment being undertaken to accompany Redcar’s the 4500ha site of the former SSI Steelworks within the town, and how Redcar can take Plan. By setting the direction of travel for submission to the Towns Fund administered by which is being developed to create a home for advantage of these opportunities to ensure the future projects, and establishing high quality the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local advanced technology, sustainable innovation success of the town during and beyond the Town development, these interventions will support the Government (MHCLG). The masterplan has been and clean energy projects. Over £200million is Deal timeframe. visitor economy to continue to grow and develop, prepared in tandem with the Town Investment already committed to remediate and prepare land and help to improve the desirability of Redcar as Plan and will help guide future investment in the for development and significant progress has This will be brought about through longer term a place to live, work, visit and invest in. area beyond the time frame of the Town Deal been made on site acquisition and clearance. projects and additional investment to improve (post 2030). Some parts of site are already being developed, the appearance and connectivity of the town in The masterplan also sets out how these generating jobs and growth in both construction order to attract visitors, residents, employers, and proposals aim to address the chlallenges of Redcar faces challenges: the decline of the and operational phases. It is expected that once investors. Covid, ensures that investment in Redcar aligns steelworks and further unemployment due fully occupied, the site will have created 20,000 with the Council’s climate change goals, and to the Covid-19 pandemic, a struggling high jobs and will generate £1 billion pounds of creates a place which facilitates healthy lifestyles. street, and areas of deprivation. However, the economic output each year. town is also on the verge of huge opportunities: regeneration through the Area Growth Plan including completed projects such as Kirkleatham Walled Garden; live projects such as the Regent Cinema, Redcar Central Station, and Coatham Leisure Masterplan; and an expected £25m Town Deal which will deliver connectivity, skills and enterprise, and regeneration projects across the town centre and surrounding area.
Redcar’s coastline with the Cleveland Hills in the distance
13 Towns Fund Town Deal Boundary In July 2019 the Government launched the £3.6bn Towns Fund and invited around 100 Town Centre places in England to develop proposals to win South Gare Town Deal support. Lighthouse Teesmouth Towns including Redcar, with industrial heritage which have not benefited from economic growth in the same way as more prosperous areas were delighted by this opportunity. The Council is seeking to agree proposals for investment South Gare and of up to £25m with the Government. A Town Coatham Dunes Deal Board was put in place by the Council. The Board has developed, with the community, Esplanade businesses and stakeholders, a Town Investment Teesport Coatham Plan to submit to government. etland Life Boat Redcar Central Museum Station This funding will help to increase economic Redcar & Cleveland College growth, with a focus on regeneration, tourism Racecourse and leisure, culture, skills and connectivity. It will Whitby help to address the impact of Covid-19 upon Teesworks Redcar the local economy, whilst focussing primarily on delivering sustainable, long term change. This will be achieved through:
• Urban regeneration, planning and land use River Tees • Skills and enterprise infrastructure, driving Kirkleatham Marske-by-the-Sea private investment in a network approach Kirkleatham Walled Estate Garden to skills and ensuring towns have the Wilton space to support skills and small business International development • Connectivity, transport that complements regional and national networks, and improved digital connectivity
The Town Investment Plan for Redcar has contains a number of the proposals identified Wilton Castle through the masterplan which it is proposed will Middlesbrough be delivered through the Towns Fund. These Redcar Town Deal boundary projects include physical interventions, such as improved transport connections, new leisure and tourist attractions, and environmental It also includes the South Tees Development The Town Deal Boundary shown above forms the improvements. They also include investment in Corporation site (Teesworks), Wilton International, study area for The Redcar Masterplan. skills and training, as well as funding to support and Kirkleatham Estate and Business Park. businesses in the town centre. This is in recognition of the important role that Any funding received as part of the Town Deal will future inward investment at these sites could play in transforming the economic performance of the be invested in the area shown within the Town area, and the benefits that this could generate for Deal Boundary on the diagram above. This area Redcar town centre. includes Redcar’s town centre, seafront, and residential areas.
14 Planning Policy, Guidance, and Strategies
Introduction As part of the initial Visioning exercise at the beginning of the Town Deal process, EDable Architecture carried out a review of key supporting information from the last ten years, illustrating in the graphic below. In addition to this, as part of the Town Deal baseline analysis, Lichfields reviewed relevant planning policy, guidance and strategies which have informed the Town Investment Plan and Masterplan.
Key supporting information from the last ten years (image credit: EDable Architecture)
15 Housing and Economic Land Availability Those projects included within the Growth Plan Policy LS4 sets out a spatial strategy specifically Assessment (2020) which are classed as not yet started include: for the South Tees area, including the Teesworks The HELAA informs the annual monitoring of • The re use of Kirkleatham Stables potentially area, and includes the aim of delivering significant housing delivery, development land supply as a hub for culture and place for artisan/ economic growth and job opportunities. The and the annual review of the Brownfield Land creative businesses policy seeks to support the regeneration of the Register. The HELAA provides a survey and • Improved connections to South Gare Teesworks area through implementing the South analysis of existing and potential housing and • Phase 2B of the Coatham Development, Tees Area Supplementary Planning Document economic development land, including an including further new leisure uses (SPD) which is considered further overleaf. assessment of the suitability, availability and achievability of potential housing sites. This Redcar and Cleveland Local Plan (2018) It also identified the need to investigate update replaces the 2019 assessment and The Redcar and Cleveland Local Plan was opportunities to create a new energy hub incorporates the assessment of deliverable five adopted in 2018 and sets out the overall to support the offshore wind and subsea year housing supply for the 2020-2025 period. development strategy for the area for the period engineering sectors, support the expansion and up to 2032. The plan sets out a vision for Redcar protection of the port and logistics sector and Area Growth Plans (2018 and 2020) and Cleveland which includes, amongst other improve transport connectivity between South Area Growth Plans have been prepared by the things: Tees and the surrounding areas. Council for three key areas within the Borough • The delivery of sustainable development; (Redcar, Greater Eston and East Cleveland). • Growing a successful and resilient economy Policy REG 1 allocates Land at Coatham (8.7 The plans were prepared to create a flourishing which generates jobs and prosperity for ha) for mixed use development, comprising of future for the Borough, including the creation of people and businesses in the local area leisure, tourism, visitor and retail uses. Policy jobs and new businesses, and the delivery of • The provision of a range of good quality REG 2 states that Kirkleatham Estate will new homes. Projects specific to Redcar were housing continue to be recognised as a major heritage included in a report to the Council’s Cabinet • Maximising the re use of previously developed asset in Redcar and Cleveland, referring to the dated March 2018, and an update on the land and limiting unnecessary development Investment Prospectus created for the estate projects has since been prepared in May 2020. on greenfield sites and the permission previously granted for the The projects were agreed in Cabinet in December • Protecting and enhancing natural and historic redevelopment of the walled garden. 2020. assets • Providing good quality transport links Policy ED1 sets out the hierarchy of town, district Projects listed within this latest update which and local centres for the Borough, which includes are classed as being in development or ongoing Policy LS2 sets out the Coastal Area Spatial Redcar Town Centre, as well as Dormanstown include: Strategy, which includes Redcar. The policy (Ennis Square), Park Avenue and Roseberry • The masterplan for the redevelopment / seeks to promote the role of Redcar Town Square Local Centres (which also fall within refurbishment of Redcar Central Station to Centre as the Borough’s main service centre the Town Deal area). The policy states that include a mix of uses and create a new sense for shopping, businesses, services, leisure development proposals for main town centre of arrival for the town and community facilities, strengthen its role as uses will be focused in town, district and local • The Coatham development (phase one), the civic centre for the Borough and provide centres, and sets out a range of measures to currently intended to include a new 42 bed upgraded leisure facilities. help maintain and enhance the vitality and viability hotel and family pub / restaurant, alongside of such centres. leisure attractions / activities It also seeks to support the growth of the • The redevelopment of the Regent Cinema to economy, recognising the opportunities to grow These include: provide a new three screen facility, with cafe / the visitor and tourism economy in Redcar, as • Enhancing their appearance, safety and bar with amazing views well as encourage environmental improvements environmental quality • The Sustainable High Street scheme and support/strengthen the provision of further • Encouraging a diversity of uses (including grant for shop fronts and internal education facilities. In relation to transport, • Safeguarding and improving markets works) it seeks to, amongst other things, improve • Promoting the reuse of vacant buildings • The £10m Kirkleatham Walled Garden and transport connectivity in the heart of the town • Maintaining and enhancing access by Catering Academy centre, improve parking provision and secure sustainable transport modes improvements to existing level crossings. • Improving the quality and quantity of parking
16 South Tees Area SPD (2018) South Tees Regeneration Masterplan (2019) The Council adopted the South Tees Area This Master Plan presents the vision, strategy and Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) in May ideas for the transformational regeneration of the 2018, to support the economic and physical South Tees Development Corporation area into regeneration of the South Tees area, including a world class employment-generating zone and that covered by the South Tees Development economic growth enabler for the Tees Valley. Corporation (‘Teesworks’). In terms of new development potential, the Teesworks was created in 2017 following the available land area principally comprises the closure of the former SSI steelworks site, and large former SSI and Tata Steel land zones in also includes other industrial assets on the Redcar, Lackenby, Grangetown and South Bank south side of the River Tees within Redcar that were, until recently, at the heart of the steel and Cleveland. It represents the largest single making industry on Teesside. However, regeneration opportunity in the UK and aims to the regeneration initiative brings opportunity to, transform the area into a national asset for new and indeed will rely on, existing major operators industry and enterprise, making a substantial within the South Tees Area, such as PD Ports contribution to the economic growth and Teesport, British Steel and Redcar Bulk Terminal, prosperity of the region. and also outside, at neighbouring locations such as Wilton International. The SPD was informed, and is supported, by a masterplan which was originally prepared in 2017 and was last updated in November 2019. It sets out a vision for transforming the Teesworks area into a world class example of a modern, large scale industrial business park, by providing South Tees Regeneration Masterplan a flexible development framework where plots of land can be established in a variety of sizes to meet different occupier needs in the most efficient manner possible.
The vision seeks the creation of up to 20,000 jobs over the 1,800 ha Teesworks area. The focus is on high skilled sectors and occupations, centred on manufacturing innovation, advanced technologies and those industries best able to deliver sustained economic prosperity. The sectors proposed include port related industry, power generation and storage, advanced manufacturing, research and development, offshore energy industries and materials processing and manufacturing amongst many other sectors.
17 At the core of the primary infrastructure network Teesworks Planning Applications (2020) is the inclusion of an infrastructure spine In 2020 planning permission was granted for a traversing the site. Transport proposals include major manufacturing site for offshore wind on the the improvement and future proofing of rail freight Teesworks site. Planning approval for the 430 infrastructure and on-site rail intra connectivity, acre plot supports the announcement of plans along with reinforcing the existing passenger rail for a new heavy lifting quay which will give ships transit. Given the scale and linear configuration and international firms easy access to be able to of the STDC area, the plan is to develop the transport turbines on the bank of the River Tees Teesdale Way / Black Path corridor as a spine to accommodate the offshore wind development. through the site, linking new public open space nodes and integrating industrial development Further planning applications have been zones with community zones. The proposals submitted for more than nine million sqft of also see the integration of heritage and nature business and industrial space which will create up within the public open space strategy, creating to 11,400 jobs when fully operational. The plans attractions and areas of interest focused on these have been submitted on zones within Teesworks two important themes. at Dorman Point, The Foundry, Steel House, Long Acres and Lackenby. A total of £13.5m of Planned strategic access points to the STDC investment is already being used to transform the area will be developed as gateway features, land at the Dorman Point and Long Acres zones. to define and strengthen the identity of the Dorman Point is lined up to accommodate the destination as a world class industrial new Tees Valley Energy Recovery Facility. business park. The site wide open space The Foundry is a 530 acre site which will strategy will include footpath and cycleway neighbour Net Zero Teesside. This zone will networks enabling ease of movement across help establish Tees Valley as the UK’s first the industrial park by non automated transport decarbonised industrial cluster. South Tees Regeneration Masterplan - Major Attributes modes. Areas of public open space will be developed to a high quality, consistent theme and standard, as part of a site-wide strategy.
18 Redcar Town Centre Masterplan Vision • Town Centre Core – a core that is better (2017) defined and with a greater concentration This town centre masterplan was prepared in of uses, intensified activity and animation, 2017 for the Council by GT3 architects. It has along with new landscaping and wayfinding an overarching theme of Delivering a Sustainable initiatives which improve accessibility Future for Redcar Town Centre. It also includes a and legibility. Proposals include a Family series of strategic aims, which are as follows: Entertainment Centre, Seawater Lido, Pop-up • To deliver an appropriate mix of uses, Shops, and improvements to shopfronts and including leisure, retail, employment and to Zetland Lifeboat Museum housing • Independent Retail and Leisure – including • To create a series of new visitor attractions, small, independent retail and leisure uses, as part of a holistic masterplan which can act as a catalyst to town centre • To build on the success of capital regeneration, and can comprise high-quality, regeneration projects artisan, crafted produce and products with • To strengthen and consolidate the existing a strong ethical provenance and personal town centre and make it more integrated and service. Possible opportunities include accessible as a whole the conversion of existing buildings into • To reflect the unique character and qualities boutique B&Bs, independent retail including of Redcar and the surrounding areas ‘pop up’ businesses, and the ‘Roxpark’ • To capitalise on and further enhance the concept development seafront and beachfront • To create high quality public realm In addition, the masterplan also identifies the • To form a natural extension of the town centre following themes: and connect into the wider urban fabric • Heritage and Culture - building upon the • To ensure that the proposals are commercially strong character and identity of areas to Town Centre Masterplan Vision (2017) robust and deliverable the western side of the town centre, and • To form a well connected, safe and consistent reflecting the significant historical, cultural urban fabric, by foot, bicycle, public transport and architectural buildings within it, including and car (in that order) the adaptation and conversion of the existing buildings of Red Barns The vision breaks down the town centre into a • Landscape and Infrastructure - integrated number of neighbourhoods: landscape and infrastructure which supports • Sport and Recreation- Mixed use economic activity, defines character and development located at the Majuba Road site identity, balances the needs of pedestrians, including a cinema, hotel and other leisure vehicles and public transport, and creates uses, and an Adventure Sports Centre and well defined public realm Events Space • Urban Living – New residential development within the town centre and seafront improvements along the western edge of the town centre • Civic and Leisure - enhancing the existing civic, business, leisure, retail and infrastructure uses and facilities, including Redcar Central railway station and accessible and secure car parking solutions
19 Healthy Minds (2016 / 2017) Regeneration Masterplan Delivery Plan (2012 Redcar and Cleveland Regeneration Redcar’s annual report on Health focuses on to 2017) Masterplan – Redcar Area Spatial mental health and emotional wellbeing. Social The Regeneration Masterplan Delivery Plan was Framework (2010) health is often impacted upon by unemployment, prepared to set out the long-term plan for the Four separate Spatial Frameworks were prepared poor housing, crime and antisocial behaviour social, economic and physical development by the Council in 2010 including Redcar (as and physical environment. The plan outlines key of the Borough, and follows on from the 2010 well as the Greater Eston, South Tees and East ways to improve the mental health and emotional Spatial Framework. One of the key objectives of Cleveland areas). wellbeing of the Redcar community. The report the masterplan was to create a thriving economy, summarises with a list of recommendations to with local people who have the skills to secure The Redcar Area Spatial Framework included the improve the mental wellbeing of people of all jobs. ‘Redcar Reborn’ vision, which focused upon the ages. transformation of the seafront, through a series of In addition to the above, the plan set out a interlinked objectives: Redcar and Cleveland Growth Strategy number of other objectives which aimed to • Creating a new visitor economy (2016) safeguard and grow SMEs, improve the quality, • Consolidating the retail offer and improving The 2016 growth strategy sought to build choice and supply of employment areas, improve the legibility of the town centre upon the 2010 Regeneration Masterplan but housing choice, improve retail areas and visitor • Creating a new civic, community and leisure placed a greater emphasis on developing the facilities, focus on young peoples’ pathways to core for Redcar workforce and economy, alongside the ongoing work (including apprenticeships) and focus on • Providing new workspace, both within Redcar commitment to develop economic infrastructure. industrial excellence. Specific projects proposed town centre and throughout the spatial area included those relating to the Kirkleatham • Delivering new housing, beginning with new The document summarises a range of growth Business Park Enterprise Zone, improvements to housing on Redcar seafront outcomes under a series of categories, Redcar Central railway station and the provision including Land and Infrastructure Businesses of a new hotel in Redcar, amongst others. In summary, the Vision stated: and Enterprise Growth; Quality places; Work ‘By 2025 Redcar will have been reborn and its Readiness and Skills for Growth. The intended seafront transformed. Redcar is once again a outcomes within these categories included, great day out but what’s more, the town itself amongst other things: is working, serving the people of Redcar and • The continued expansion of operations at the communities of the Borough with good Teesport, with a clear and stable ongoing quality shops and services and strong links to strategy for its future Middlesbrough. Redcar is a destination of choice • Securing new inward investment, supporting – to live, work and shop and for the attraction of high value added jobs the coast.” • Improved levels of investment and activity in town, local and district centres • A reduced number of residents without formal qualifications • An increased number of local residents with higher level skills attainment
20 The Masterplan Process
Briefing and Document Review Baseline Analysis Engagement and Visioning Challenges and Opportunities Review of background information to the project, Assessment of the existing Redcar context The first stage of engagement focused on setting Informed by the baseline analysis and initial including The Towns Fund, Redcar Town Deal covering the Town Deal study area, and the a Vision for Redcar. A survey was completed engagement, key challenges and opportunities Board and Redcar Town Deal Area. This town centre, including land uses, green and blue by local residents, businesses, community in Redcar were identified. An interactive, process also involved the review of background infrastructure, heritage assets, connectivity, key organisations, as well as by the Town Deal Board, collaborative session, a ‘design sprint’ was held documents, including Planning Policy, Area assets, planned development, key assets, and and local Councillors. Workshops were also held with the Town Deal Board during this stage in Growth Plans, regeneration and other spatial constraints and opportunities. As part of the with key stakeholders to prioritise objectives. order to develop strategies and principles for frameworks, town centre strategies. baseline analysis, discussions were also held with the masterplan which could respond to these local community and voluntary representatives, challenges and opportunities, and contribute to business owners, and Council officers in order the Vision for Redcar. to build up a holistic picture of Redcar and understand the key issues.
Masterplan Process
21 Masterplan Principles Masterplan and Town Investment Plan Consultation Final Masterplan and Town Investment Plan Following on from the design sprint, principles Proposals In order to obtain feedback on these proposals, Following the results of the consultation, for the masterplan were developed, including A long list of projects was drawn up, which the masterplan for the town centre and Town refinements were made to the masterplan, and a elements such as distinctive quarters, improved responded to the Vision, baseline analysis and Deal area was presented to the public and final list of Town Investment Plan proposals was connectivity and gateways into Redcar, and a the challenges and opportunities identified. Initial stakeholders, along with the shortlist of Town drawn up. The masterplan will be submitted to series of activity nodes drawing people through masterplan options illustrated how these projects Investment Plan projects. The feedback was Government as part of Redcar’s Town Investment the town. These were represented graphically as aligned with the masterplan principles, and taken into account, alongside a range of other Plan. It will also continue to guide investment an overall spatial framework for the town centre related to the existing context, policy, planned considerations, in deciding which projects to over the longer term through a suite of and wider study area, within which masterplan development, and how they supported the Vision include within the Town Investment Plan. complementary and connected projects, drawing projects could be located. for Redcar. Through further engagement with the on the Area Growth Plan and other longer Town Deal Board, a shortlist of potential projects term projects, and also by providing a spatial was put forward for the Town Investment Plan. It framework for future projects. was important that these projects supported the overall masterplan principles.
Masterplan Process
22 Engagement
Introduction It is important that the masterplan works for, “Redcar can be a beautiful little town: it has lots of attractions to and is supported by, the local community including residents, community and voluntary see, it has a lovely beach and the people who live there are lovely organisations, businesses, investors, local elected Members, and Council officers. Therefore, a and kind.” comprehensive programme of engagement was carried out in order to shape the masterplan.
A total of 2,188 people completed the survey “The people, the sea and the natural landscape, industrial on the draft masterplan and Town Investment Plan projects, and the results demonstrated a heritage, potential for green recovery to benefit us all.” high level of public support for the projects being taken forward. Quotes from local residents Further details on engagement can be found in Redcar Town Deal: Stakeholder Engagement Report (Redcar Town Deal Board, January 2021).
Visioning The Vision is one of the most important components of the masterplan, summarising the collective aims and ambitions of local people, and setting out what the masterplan must aim towards achieving.
The development of the Vision was led by the Town Deal Board. For further details on the Board please refer to Redcar Town Deal: Town Investment Plan (Redcar Town Deal Board, January 2021)
In order to create a vision for Redcar we carried out the following: • Survey of the general public • Survey of the Town Deal Board members, followed by a workshop • Survey of all Councillors across Redcar and Cleveland, followed by a workshop with Ward Members in Redcar
The Vision is set out in full on pages 30 - 32 in this report.
Town Deal Board in Redcar Town Centre
23 Public survey The survey was promoted via the Council’s social “Would like to see more opportunities and a culture of aspiration media accounts, with background information and a link to the survey being made available for people living in Redcar. It would be nice to see people thrive at www.redcartowndeal.com. The survey was live between 17 and 27 July 2020 and a total of in Redcar, rather than have to leave to do so.” 2,188 people completed the survey, either online (795) or by returning hard copies (1393).
The most valued Redcar ‘Place assets’ were “Regent walk is lovely but should go all the way to the sea front the beach and countryside, Kirkleatham Estate, Redcar Racecourse, and the Esplanade and ie knock M&S building down and make it a lovely walk through to foreshore area. The ‘People assets’ perceived to be most important were community spirit the beach. Then fill the space with cafes / bars / restaurants with and local pride, local heritage and traditions, local charities, and community groups. In outside seating.” terms of ‘Connections assets’, the most valued were cycling and walking routes for leisure and exercise, rail links and road links. Quotes from local residents The most significant issues identified were the appearance and environment of the town centre, range / quality of shopping on offer, facilities for visitors (accommodation, public toilets, indoor activities), and social issues (such as antisocial behaviour, drug and alcohol abuse). In the future, participants wanted to be able to describe Redcar as ‘vibrant, clean, thriving and prosperous’.
Festival of Thrift at Kirkleatham Redcar Racecourse Redcar Beach Regent Walk and M&S
24 Local members Key themes Survey results The second exercise at the workshop sought to Feedback from the local Council Members survey add detail to the visioning exercise by focusing was that the beach and countryside were the on key themes identified in the survey, including most frequently mentioned place asset, with the Redcar’s best assets (the beach, culture and Kirkleatham Estate and Redcar Racecourse also heritage) and areas for improvement (the referenced by a large proportion of respondents. availability of things to do, the town centre and In relation to people, local heritage and traditions, retail offer, as well as skills and employment). along with community spirit and local pride were highly valued, as well as the skills and It was clear from the visioning exercise that many work ethic of the local community. In relation to of these themes are interdependent and could connections, Redcar’s links to the national and therefore support each other. Long term job prospects regional road network were felt to be an asset. Additional issues Workshop In addition, a range of other issues were Visioning identified which, in members’ eyes, needed to be These findings were discussed in a workshop addressed in Redcar. These issues included: held with Redcar Members on 22 July 2020. Key • Think carefully about the identity of the town, themes that emerged from the session included: for example, independent shops could offer a • Creating links between the seafront and the unique and sustainable identity town centre, to ensure a joined up experience • Consider what makes Redcar unique and that encourages visitors and residents differentiates it from other nearby coastal • Improved connectivity and reducing towns bottlenecks including at the railway level • Visitors will be attracted to a town that is crossing at West Dyke Road authentic and represents the culture and Improved public ream and seafront activity Public transport • Improved town centre parking personality of its residents • Improving Station Road and creating a better • Address antisocial behaviour, crime impression on arrival at the railway station and littering in the town, which makes it • Hotels and good transport links between unattractive to day trippers and those visiting attractions that will encourage visitors to stay bars and restaurants in the evening and use facilities • Think about long term job prospects, not just • Improving the function and perception of those in construction that will be generated Redcar, helping to create a dynamic and lively over the next three to five years place to live, with a clearer identity • Encourage young people to stay in Redcar, to • Creating a varied, interesting and study and go into work, rather than travelling economically viable High Street with outside the region independent shops • The town needs to be able to attract • Providing sheltered / indoor areas in the town and support skilled workers entering the Festivals and events centre to encourage visitors even in poor workforce from outside the region weather • Encourage active / green travel, including • Better maintenance and appearance of better provision for cyclists shop fronts, and amenities such as sea front lighting • Bringing empty shops back into use • Creating opportunities for residential development in the town centre; and • Marketing the area well and make the most of its existing assets, including Zetland Park and Kirkleatham Museum
Independent businesses High quality environment
25 Town Deal Board When asked how visitors might describe Redcar, People Initial survey responses focused on a lack of activities and • Increase access to employment opportunities In June 2020, EDable Architecture distributed attractions, the perception that Redcar is run • Increase advanced manufacturing and new a survey among Town Deal Board members to down, and geographical isolation. Board technologies gather initial feedback on the vision for Redcar. members did, however, suggest that visitors are • Secure inward investment The original (pre Covid-19 Lockdown) likely to be surprised by the quality of the natural • Support businesses to start up and grow methodology intended to undertake a series environment, including beaches and nearby • Provide high quality employment sites for of round table workshops to build consensus countryside. economic development around the vision and strategic priorities. Due • Ensure key investors / employer are engaged to the lockdown brought into effect in March Objectives in the skills system 2020, the decision was taken to proceed with Objectives identified by the Board were: • Improve educational support related to high the visioning exercise, but to do this remotely. A skilled employment Clean energy opportunities questionnaire was sent to the Board members Place • Provide high quality apprenticeship facilities to gather information about Redcar, both as it • Establish Redcar as a year round destination • Increasing high-skilled employment currently is and what they would like it to be in • Increase number of visitors and length of stay opportunities; and the future. • Improve leisure facilities • Improving school and high education facilities • Better promotion of attractions and activities • Form strategic alliances with major operators Workshops • Increase private sector investment in events • Develop rural business In order to supplement the surveys, workshops • Broaden and improve visitor accommodation were held with the Town Deal Board to better (including post Covid provision) Connections understand their views on a vision for Redcar and • Strengthen the identity / brand • Promote active and sustainable travel explore the Town Deal Board’s feedback in more • Promote and increase cultural assets • Better promote existing good links between detail. These workshops were held on 3 and 10 • Provide a retail offering that supports the town centres July 2020. The group then discussed the results needs of both visitors and residents • Create a differentiator and improve the public of the survey, specifically the key objectives for • Improve the quality of food and drink offer realm for cycling Coastal destination the Town Fund in relation to the ‘Place’, ‘People’ (supporting both retail and tourism objectives) • Interconnectivity of modes of transport (eg and ‘Connections’ themes. • Internet / public Wi-Fi improvements (for bikes on trains) example, for local businesses and publicly • Improve education on active travel These workshops helped the project team to accessible hubs for employment and skills) • Safeguard and improve rail access interrogate the rankings generated as a result • Deliver clean, safe and attractive • Improve active and sustainable travel links, of the survey. Whilst the thematic objectives neighbourhoods in particular to the coast; town centre to identified via the surveys were felt to be broadly • Provide homes to meet the needs of our residential areas; to employment sites right, there was considerable nuance identified population (including Teesworks and Kirkleatham via the workshops with respect to: how they • Improve standards of existing housing Business Park; and between the countryside, relate to each other; how they group together; • Residential availability within the town centre residential areas and wider visitor attractions and which ones are important but potentially out (consider the demographics, for example for • Improve regularity of services with the scope of the Towns Fund itself, but are, students, young people, or older people who • Improve parking provision Active and sustainable Travel however, important for the masterplan to respond need easy access to amenities). • Digital town centre to. • Conversion of existing units • Consider digital poverty • Improvements of housing on Station Road, to • Improve digital connectivity in rural areas Describing Redcar now and in the future improve entry points to town centre Board members were asked to describe Redcar, • Enhanced green spaces Summary both for themselves and how they think residents • Safeguarding and enhancing areas of In summary, the key objectives supported by the would perceive the place. Results were broadly heritage importance Board were to establish Redcar as a year round similar, focusing on: • Conserving and expanding environmental destination, increase local residents’ access • Industrial assets to employment opportunities and to promote • Seaside and great beaches • Reducing environmental impact active and sustainable travel. The diagram on • Run down (in some areas) the following page illustrates the key themes and • Full of potential and friendly objectives. Employment and educational opportunities
26 Overarching themes for the vision and priority objectives
27 Design sprint • Sports and activities should be encouraged, Consultation on the Draft Masterplan and Next steps An interactive, collaborative session, a ‘design utilising the coastline. Activities such as Town Investment Plan Further public engagement will be undertaken sprint’, was held with the Town Deal Board in horse riding and surfing would attract linked The RedcarTown Deal website https://www. on the Area Growth Plan proposals, forthcoming order to develop strategies and principles for the trips, and this could tie in with other ‘quirky’ redcartowndeal.com provides information about Towns Fund projects, and any other detailed masterplan. The following masterplan principles attractions the Government’s Towns Fund and how Redcar projects which come forward. were identified: • Leisure / events focus around an upgraded and Cleveland Borough Council plans to use • Restrict parking to the periphery as much as Tuned In and boating lake, complementing this money to support Redcar’s future economic possible and limit car access into seafront / the planned Coatham leisure development. growth. high street core • Esplanade should be used for more • Longer term, provide an eastern destination activities such as markets, potentially by The feedback from the survey was taken car park closing sections of it to traffic temporarily or into account, alongside a range of other • Improve the pedestrian / cycle experience on permanently considerations, in deciding which projects to Esplanade and High Street East • Create a link between the high street and include within the Town Investment Plan. Full • Balance access to South Gare with the Esplanade in the location of the former Marks details are included in the Redcar Town Deal: unspoilt character of the space, this can be & Spencer (M&S) and Goodwins stores Visioning and Engagement report. promoted to visitors as something different to • Create a focal point events space in the town the town centre centre with the sea as a backdrop, and make The platform allows further public consultation • Improve connections to the Teesworks site, the high street ‘festival ready’. This should be following the publication of the draft masterplan and also consider connections to Kirkleatham created as a flexible event space for parades and TIP proposals. and Wilton / Christmas / summer events etc • New jobs at Teesworks should be visible • Improved food and beverage offer could within the town centre, potentially through an include food halls, deli and markets. This employability / enterprise hub, which could offer should support a range of different be linked to the library and other community users, including family, evening economy, pop facilities up / events, and must consider the weather
Design sprint exercises Public consultation website
28 3 Vision
29 The Vision
The creation of a vision for Redcar is key to the development of the masterplan and Town Investment Plan. It provides a strategic framework to help to shape the identification and prioritising of interventions, as well as the “During the next 10 years, Redcar will maximise its position on longer term spatial framework which will guide investment to 2030 and beyond. the North East coast and be a key asset in a thriving Tees Valley
The vision must be founded in evidence and economy. reflect the views of the community and key stakeholders. Within this context, the vision presented in this section takes account of: relevant previous studies and strategies Redcar will be a coastal town which people aspire to live in, with prepared by / on behalf of the Council and other organisations; the baseline analysis presented attractive residential areas, educational and cultural opportunities in and the various strands of engagement undertaken to date. and a public realm which reflects our pride and investment in our
This overarching vision for the town is supported place. Our people will have the aspirations and skills they need by a number of broader objectives. These are set out overleaf and provide further detail regarding to take advantage of major industrial development sites, ensuring the direction of travel and scale of ambition to be a secure and prosperous future for both themselves and the town. pursued through the successful delivery of the Masterplan and Town Investment Plan. Our coastline and a wide range of year round attractions and events will drive a vibrant visitor economy, with an exciting offer for thrill seekers and families alike. The town will be well connected, giving our residents and businesses opportunities to operate on local, regional, national and international scales.
Our success will be rooted in our pride of place and will build on our proud industrial past. The development of Teesworks as an industrial complex fit for the twenty first Century will allow us to embrace the green economy as a major part of our long term future. Our strong pioneering spirit will ensure that Redcar leads the way as a great place to live, work and enjoy.”
30 Place We will celebrate our distinctiveness and The interpretation and celebration of industrial Redcar will be established as a modern visitor differentiate the town from competing landmarks old and new will be encouraged and destination that is clearly differentiated from destinations, creating a high quality public realm we will establish the town as one of northern competing locations. The town centre will which better links with and complements the England’s leading hubs for water based activities be clean and energetic, with a festival ready recently enhanced Esplanade. The public realm, and adrenaline sports, with a range of facilities High Street supporting an expanded cultural including lighting, street furniture and wayfinding, which support both recreational participation and programme and a thriving independent will be consistent, high quality, clean and well competitions. sector. Links between our beaches, which maintained, and reflect the heritage, physical and will become a leading hub for water based natural assets of the town. We will introduce We will deliver an expanded programme of activities and adrenaline sports, and the high green infrastructure to key strategic routes in events, building upon existing successes such as street will be strengthened. the town and enhance / redevelop run down the Festival of Thrift, and with a greater emphasis property, in order to improve the sense of arrival, on active and / or water based events. In doing We will encourage people to visit Redcar more enhance the visitor experience, encouraging so, we will encourage people to visit the town frequently and stay longer. The town centre’s people to explore the area. regularly, reinforce our market positioning and commercial offer will be improved, through raise the area’s profile. Alongside this, a new an expanded independent sector and the In promoting Redcar as a tourist destination, we focal point / centre of gravity will be created development of an exciting food and beverage will look to harness the exceptional quality of our within the town centre, resulting in a ‘festival offer and new leisure attractions (both indoor coastline, our heritage, our industrial past and ready’ High Street, with improved linkages and outdoor) that will draw people to the area future and our local independent spirit. between this and the Esplanade. Town centre from Tees Valley, North Yorkshire and beyond. living will be encouraged and promoted, which The quality and quantity of hotel provision will be will add to its diversity and vibrancy. significantly improved.
Active seafront
Coastal activities
Leisure and recreation Festival ready Visitor economy
31 People Connections We will re establish Redcar as a leading Redcar will be a place with strong digital industrial location. As a place that supports connectivity and where active and sustainable business start ups, attracts inward investment travel is encouraged, with a focus on driving and is a pioneer in the development of the up footfall in the town centre and enabling green economy. Residents will be provided residents to access employment and training. with the information, support and training they We will encourage visitors to stay for longer need to benefit from job opportunities created and explore more of the town by creating at Teesworks and other key employment attractive new gateways, improving links sites. This will build upon the ‘Mighty Redcar’ between key attractions and creating a series spirit, reinforce the sense of pride in the area of ‘stepping stones’ which draw pedestrians and instil a new confidence in the people of from one end of the seafront to the other. Sustainable travel Skills and training opportunities the town. Redcar will be a place where active and Our industrial renaissance will be driven by the sustainable travel is encouraged. Ease of delivery of nationally significant development movement will be improved by addressing opportunities at Teesworks (the largest single key barriers, including the railway lines, and development site in Europe), Wilton International pedestrian / cycle routes and bus and rail and a new Freeport, establishing the town services enhanced. This will better connect the as a pioneer in clean growth and advanced town centre to surrounding residential areas, manufacturing. This will be supported by the key employment sites and education providers, necessary infrastructure to support start-ups, enabling residents to access employment and attract inward investment and accommodate any training opportunities and drive up footfall within growth in supply chain industries. the town centre. Sustainable travel Redcar and Cleveland College Graduation To ensure that growth works for everyone, our Attractive new gateways to the town will be residents will be equipped with the skills needed created, including at Redcar Central railway to access and benefit from the resulting (high station, with convenient and well defined skilled) employment opportunities, to support connections to the wider town centre. Pedestrian a more prosperous local economy. Strong links from the station to the high street, between collaboration between the College / Teesside the high street and Esplanade, and the creation University, local secondary schools and the of a series of ‘stepping stones’ to link one end of business community will ensure that local the seafront to the other, will encourage visitors to education and training provision responds to explore more of the town. This will also increase the skills needs of Redcar’s growth sectors, and dwell times and help create vibrancy within the residents will be provided with the information, town centre. support and training they need to take advantage of these opportunities. We will harness the appeal of attractions such as Kirkleatham Estate, Redcar Racecourse and The active community and voluntary South Gare to strengthen Redcar’s tourism offer organisations in Redcar will be celebrated by improving links to and from the town centre. and supported. This will enable them to be This will include capitalising on our location on sustainable, grow, join up services, and increase National Cycle Route 1 / Eurovelo 12. Redcar will social value. This will help give local residents the embrace digital connectivity, both by supporting confidence they need to take advantage of the and upskilling local businesses to expand their economic opportunities set out above, reinforcing online presence, and by enhancing the availability their sense of pride in the local area. People of Wi-Fi and internet access to local residents. will choose to live in Redcar and will feel they can meet their needs in the town, whether for shopping, leisure or working, reducing the need Skills and training opportunities to look outside the local area.
32 4 Analysis
33 Analysis
Location Redcar is situated on the Cleveland coast at the mouth of the River Tees, between Hartlepool to the north, and the seaside destination Saltburn- by-the-Sea to the south. Middlesbrough lies approximately 13 km to the south west and is a sub-regional centre, also including Teesside University and James Cook University Hospital.
The heavy industry on the Teesworks site, Seal Sands (in Stockton on Tees Borough) and Middlesbrough provides a backdrop to the west of Redcar, which also incorporates green areas such as Salthome and Teesmouth nature reserves. The Black Path, which runs through Redcar’s industrial area, forms part of the longer Teesdale Way and also forms part of the England Coast Path.
To the south, areas such as Flatts Lane Country Park and woodland, Wilton Castle, and Skelton Beck offer a green, rural context to the town, with views to the Eston hills from the town. The North Yorkshire Moors National Park is approximately 15km to the south.
To the east, the coastal footpath continues to the village of Marske-by-the-Sea, around 1.5km to the east of Redcar, and onto Saltburn where it meets the national walking route, The Cleveland Way. National Cycle Route 1 also follows the Redcar coast, on its route between Saltburn and Middlesbrough.
Redcar in its wider context
34 Heritage The historic maps on the following pages show the development of Redcar. Please refer to the heritage assets plan on the following pages for the locations of listed buildings and conservation areas for the locations of listed buildings within the Town Deal area and conservation areas.
Early history Redcar originated as a fishing village in the 1300s which traded with the larger adjacent settlement of Coatham. Redcar seafront is still home to Zetland Lifeboat, 1900 the Zetland, the world’s oldest surviving lifeboat which was first stationed at Redcar in 1802 and is preserved within the Grade II listed Zetland Lifeboat Museum and Redcar Heritage Centre on the seafront.
Industrial and tourism growth Industrial growth from the mid nineteenth century came in the form of Walker, Maynard & Co ironworks and later steelworks of which the most prominent were those of Dorman and Long, creators of so many iconic international structures such as Sydney Harbour Bridge. As Redcar Station, G. Pierson c. 1960 Redcar station race day seaside holidays became fashionable in the early nineteenth century, Redcar’s facilities expanded.
Railways The Middlesbrough and Redcar Railway opened to passengers in June 1846 but was also an important goods route. The first train on the line was hauled by Stephenson’s famous Locomotion No 1. As tourist travel increased the new larger Redcar Central Railway Station was built in 1861 and is Grade II listed.
Expansion British Rail poster Red Barns 1898 Redcar quickly expanded and soon absorbed Coatham, which was chosen as the location of grand villas and townhouses built for Teesside industrialists and their families, reflected in its attractive Victorian architecture, much of it now designated as Coatham Conservation Area. The most significant of these is Grade ll* listed Red Barns, a Philip Webb designed Arts and Crafts house. A blue plaque on the wall of Red Barns commemorates the renowned explorer and archaeologist Gertrude Bell who lived in the property as a child and was influential in Middle Redcar Beach, undated Gertrude Bell in Iraq, 1909 Red Barns present day Eastern politics.
35 Dormanstown Comedian and entertainer Larry Grayson The steel manufacturer Dorman and Long built reputedly coined his catchphrase “Shut that the ‘Garden Village’ of Dormanstown in the Door!” while performing there, since the early twentieth century as a model suburb to stage door was open to the cold North Sea accommodate the expanding workforce of the breeze. Redcar Pier was also damaged in the district. Heritage assets in Dormanstown include late nineteenth century by a series of ships the Grade ll listed Westfield Farm located on deliberately breached in 1940 as a defensive The Green, and the Grade ll listed bungalows of measure before demolition commenced in 1980. Dorman Crescent which were built in 1931 and became the first local authority homes for the Redcar Racecourse elderly in the whole of England and Wales. Redcar Racecourse is steeped in history and can Dorman Long Coal Tower (a coal supply trace its beginnings back to the early part of the Dorman Long Coal Tower Dormanstown, 1930s bunker) is an iconic landmark adjacent to eighteenth century when horse racing took place South Bank Coke Ovens. The Black Path from on Redcar beach. Redcar’s current racecourse Middlesbrough to Redcar meanders through the opened in 1872 and still provides entertainment heart of industrial Teesside and was once used for day trippers. by sailors to reach their ships, commuting steel and ironworkers, and by families heading from Town centre the tightly packed terraces to Redcar beach. Now demolished, a plot on Graffenberg Street which is now a car park was formerly Doctor South Gare Horner’s Hydropathic Hotel, or ‘Hydro’, a South Gare is intrinsically linked to the steel popular alternative health treatment at the time. industry as The Gare was created through the The ballroom of the former Coatham Hotel on deposit of five million tonnes of slag from the Newcomen Terrace was home to the Redcar steel blast furnaces in the 1860s and the minerals Jazz Club, a venue for the up and coming bands South Gare Lighthouse and Battery Birger Anchor, Redcar seafront arising from this has led to unique wildlife of the late 1960s and early 1970s. To the east of habitats. It has a rich social heritage linked to Redcar is the Grade ll* listed Church of St Peter, local communities accessing the site over the designed by Ignatius Bonomi and built 1822 to last 150 years. The site includes Paddy’s Hole 1828. The Grade ll listed Town Clock was built in harbour and Fishermen’s huts which are still used 1912 as a memorial to King Edward VII who was by local fishermen and families. The original a regular visitor to Redcar. South Gare Battery, built in 1890 with two guns was reconstructed in 1938. The Grade ll listed Conservation areas South Gare Lighthouse, built in 1884, is located Within Kirkleatham Conservation Area there at the end of the breakwater, although there is are 24 listed structures, several Graded l and currently no safe public access. ll*, set within a landscape setting with historical character. Key heritage assets include Sir William Redcar’s Piers Turner’s Hospital (Grade l), Old Hall Museum Redcar Town Clock, undated The Regent Cinema c1950 The 1873 Victoria pier at Coatham was damaged (Grade ll*), Church of St Cuthbert (Grade I), the during a storm in December 1874 and resulted recently renovated Kirkleatham Walled Gardens in two sailing vessels piercing it and forced a (Grade ll), Kirkleatham Hall Farm including the reduction in the proposed length. The pier Stable Block (Grade ll*). opened in 1875 but was damaged in another collision with a sailing vessel in 1898 and was Coatham Conservation Area still retains much demolished in 1899. The anchor from that of its historic character. The conservation area vessel, the barque Birger, can be seen on the includes the Grade ll* listed Red Barns as well seafront opposite the Zetland Lifeboat Museum. as the following key designated heritage assets: A glasshouse for concerts was added to the Christ Church (Grade ll), and historic cottages at pier’s remaining section and in 1928 was 44, 46 and 48 and 50 High Street West (Grade ll). replaced by the New Pavilion Theatre which Coatham cricket field c1900 became the Regent Cinema in the early 1960s. Kirkleatham, 1700
36 1850s OS plan (partial) 1890s OS plan (partial)
1930s OS plan (partial) 1970s OS plan (partial)
37 1850s OS plan - Town scale 1890s OS plan - Town scale
1950s OS map - Town scale 1970s OS map - Town scale
38 Heritage assets plan
39 Redcar’s key assets Teesworks Redcar has several natural assets including the The Teesworks site offers a major employment coastline, beaches, South Gare and Coatham opportunity, predicted to create 20,000 jobs Dunes, and parks and green spaces. on the edge of Redcar, and also including established employers such as PD Ports Visitor attractions at Teesport Docks, and British Steel. The Visitor attractions such as the famous Redcar neighbouring Wilton International industrial estate Racecourse, the lifeboat museum, Kirkleatham can also be considered a key asset to the area, walled garden, and the Festival of Thrift providing a large number of high skilled jobs and event are also key assets to Redcar. These a focus on the chemical / process industries and are complemented by the town centre offer clean energy. including retail, leisure (including Redcar and Cleveland Leisure and Community Heart) and an College independent quarter around the station including Redcar and Cleveland College, which has 1,600 bars and restaurants. However, the town centre students, is a key education and training facility and seafront offer for both visitors and residents within the town centre. requires improvement. Heritage assets Seafront and town centre As described in the previous section, heritage Key assets along the seafront include Tuned In!, assets are an important part of Redcar’s the boating lake, the beach, the Regent Cinema, character. Heritage assets in the area include the Beacon, Esplanade, The Palace Hub, and the Grade 2 listed South Gare lighthouse, Town Zetland lifeboat museum. The Town Clock Clock and Redcar Central Station, Zetland provides a landmark within the town centre. Lifeboat Museum, the World War 1 listening post There are few other assets to attract visitors or ‘sound mirror’, and Westfield House within Redcar Racecourse within the town centre, close by the seafront. Dormanstown. Places of worship also contribute There are several views towards the beach and to Redcar’s architectural heritage, this includes seafront from the high street, however these Christ Church and St Peter’s Church. routes towards the seafront could be made more attractive. There are also a number of heritage assets clustered within the Kirkleatham Estate, including South of the town centre the walled garden, the Grade 2* Old Hall Museum South of the main retail core, Redcar and and Kirkleatham Farm (and Grade 2 stable block), Cleveland Leisure and Community Heart, Redcar and the Grade 1 listed William Turner’s Hospital and Cleveland College, the Racecourse, Locke and St Cuthbert’s Church. Although most of Park and Borough Park, and Redcar these heritage assets are concentrated within the Central Station (once the planned refurbishment/ central and eastern areas of the study area, there redevelopment goes ahead), are key local assets. is considerable non-designated industrial heritage The Palace Hub, Esplanade ImageCoastline Label There are opportunities to improve and increase within the Teesworks site, including the Dorman the assets within the town centre and seafront Long tower at South Bank Coke Works. and better connect these to surrounding assets. Please refer to the study area and town centre key assets plans on the following two pages.
Kirkleatham walled gardens Redcar and Cleveland Leisure and CommunityImage HeartLabel
40 N
South Gare and 1 South Gare and Coatham Dunes Coatham Teesmouth and Dunes Cleveland Coastline
Redcar Seafront
Leisure and 1 3 Warrenby Activities 4 High Street empoyment Independant Redcar site and retail businesses ‘Heart’ Redcar core etland 2 Teesworks Site Coatham Redcar Central Park Marsh College Station Borough Park
Racecourse Teesworks major employment opportunity (20,000 jobs). Masterplan for 4500ac site Redcar 3 Redcar Seafront 2
Kirkleatham Teesport Business Park River Tees Kirkleatham Heritage Hall School British Steel assets Festival Wilton Kirkleatham of Thrift International major 5 Walled garden development site Kirkleatham 4 Museum Redcar Central - Station Quarter
Wilton Castle 5 Kirkleatham - Walled garden
Town Deal Boundary Key assets - study area
41 Key assets - town centre
42 Land uses Vacant units The former Coatham Hydro Hotel on the corner Study area There is a vacant site at this gateway, the old of Turner Street and Newcomen Terrace is being Industry and employment bus station site and several prominent vacant redeveloped as shops, flats, serviced offices and The west of the Town Deal area is dominated by units along the high street, including the former conference facilities. the industry and employment around the River Marks & Spencer store. The northern side of the Tees, including Teesworks, Teesport Dock, British high street includes some existing and vacant Coatham Steel and Wilton International industrial estate. former retail uses which back onto the seafront, This area of Coatham is largely residential. The Some residential areas, including Grangetown, such as the former Wilko, Marks & Spencer and two to three storey properties along Newcomen South Bank and Dormanstown, border these Goodwins units. There is a lack of usable public Terrace front onto a boating lake, bandstand and industrial areas. There are smaller industrial space in this area, for example somewhere to eat vacant site at the eastern end of Majuba Road. / employment areas within the central part of lunch or to hold events and festivals. The Tuned In! building provides leisure, events, the Town Deal area at Trunk Road industrial youth services and studios, and to the west of Kirkleatham Museum, part of KirkleathamImage Estate Label estate, Kirkleatham Business Park and Warrenby Seafront this is the dilapidated skatepark building and industrial estate. There are a mix of units which front onto the Majuba Road car park. To the south are some seafront, including some residential uses, cafés, key green spaces including Coatham Common, Green space and heritage a garage, and the lifeboat museum, as well as Christ Church, the cricket club, Locke Park and Within this central area, Kirkleatham also includes small surface car parks towards the eastern end. the sports fields of the college and schools. the historic Kirkleatham estate to the south, From Moore Street westwards, the RNLI station, featuring several heritage assets, including former Ron Hills furniture store, and two large Station Road William Turner Hospital, Kirkleatham Museum, the vacant units face onto Esplanade. There are Around Redcar Central Station, at the southern Stable Block, and Walled Garden. There are also also amusement arcades, The Palace Hub, the end of Station Road, there is a cluster of poor large areas of open space, including agricultural vacant Marks & Spencers store, and Pacittos quality residential properties, as well as a Farm land and Coatham Marsh to the north, which is ice cream shop, serving the original ‘lemon top’. Foods Store, which both impact upon the bisected by the railway line. To the north of this The Goodwins store which fronts on the high arrival experience at the station. Further north is Cleveland Golf Links and South Gare, including street also extends through this block but has no on Station Road, and along the streets running View towards Tuned In! from the BoatingImage Label Lake Coatham Dunes and the Grade II listed South frontage to Esplanade. off it, there are a number of bars, micro pubs, Gare lighthouse at the end of the breakwater. restaurants and cafés, along with professional This area also includes access to Pybus Place, services, small businesses and community and Residential a small gated street lined with small businesses voluntary premises. This area is known as the The eastern part of the Town Deal study area which provides access to the rear of Boots ‘Northern Quarter’, and provides opportunities includes the town centre, Redcar Central but has no external through route. Ice cream to encourage footfall between the station, Railway Station, and large areas of residential parlours, fish and chip shops and amusement the Regent Cinema (which is proposed to be development surrounding the town centre. arcades give the next stretch of the Esplanade, redeveloped to provide a new three screen To the south of the railway line is Redcar including The Beacon which houses Zetland FM, facility) and High Street. Racecourse, a number of primary and secondary a seaside character. The scale of buildings along schools, as well as Redcar and Cleveland the seafront varies considerably, ranging from 1-2 West Dyke Road College, and Redcar Primary Care Hospital. storeys to the Palace Hub at five storeys. To the east of the station quarter and West Dyke Road is the Morrisons superstore and its large Seafront properties on NewcomenImage Terrace Label Town centre Newcomen Terrace decked/surface car park (as well as the Eurocar Retail and services At Newcomen Terrace, which starts to the west car park to the north), and south of the railway The inner parts of the town centre feature of The Beacon, the character changes to uniform line (outwith the town centre boundary, as defined predominantly retail and service uses, with three storey seafront properties, comprising a in the adopted Local Plan) is a Tesco superstore. a limited food and drink offer or visitor mixture of residential and guest houses, and Further to the south of this is the Racecourse and accommodation. Retail uses are concentrated mostly in poor condition. The Regent Cinema is Borough Park, and more residential areas. To on High Street East and Regent Walk Shopping a key art deco building, soon to be replaced with the south east of the town centre is Zetland Park Centre. At the eastern end of the high street, a more modern facility, in a similar style, at the School, St Peter’s Church and Zetland Park. there are a greater number of independent end of Station Road, and built out on stilts onto shops, pubs and takeaways, with more the beach. Please refer to the study area and town centre residential / guest house uses and the Park Hotel land use plans on the following two pages. being found where High Street joins Esplanade. Pacitto’s ice cream parlour overlooking PybusImage PlaceLabel
43 Existing land uses - study area
44 Image Label Image Label
Existing land uses - town centre
45 Green and blue infrastructure Town centre Study area Quality of space Quality of space As the diagrams overleaf demonstrate, there Redcar has a rich network of green and are significant green spaces surrounding the blue infrastructure, some of which requires town centre, but a real lack of greenery within improvement and better access. The diagrams the town centre itself. This creates a harsh, over the next few pages show there are large urban environment which would benefit from areas of open space, some of which is poor green infrastructure to help soften it and provide quality or inaccessible and would benefit from attractive routes and spaces, encouraging people improved connections. There is a lack of green to dwell and to walk and cycle. space within the major employment sites and within the town centre itself. The main roads Parks and recreation Lack of greenery on the high street Locke Park often incorporate structural planting or avenues There are a series of public green spaces to of trees, however several of these routes require the west of the town centre, including Coatham improvements to pedestrian and cycle facilities. Common and Locke Park, as well as semi- private green spaces such as the college and Parks and recreation school playing fields and the cricket club. To the The key parks within the area are Locke Park, east, Borough Park, Zetland Park and the Stray Zetland Park and Borough Park, along with Mo are significant public open spaces. In addition Mowlam Memorial Park, adjacent to Redcar to this, there are a number of smaller, incidental Town Football Club. There are several other spaces of varying quality, including churchyards, sports and recreation facilities, including Redcar the Garden of Remembrance on Coatham Road Cricket Club, Redcar Racecourse, and Redcar and allotments (which tend not to be publicly Rugby Union Football Club, although these are accessible). not always publicly accessible. Redcar suffers Zetland Park ImageSouth Label Gare from several disjointed ‘leftover’ green spaces Coastline which are often poor quality and underused. On the northern edge, the coastline including the beach, sea views and esplanade provides high Coastline quality public space. The coastline is a key natural asset in Redcar. In terms of landscape designations, the seafront Connecting the green and blue spaces shown includes the Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast on the diagram, via green routes including for SSSI, South Gare and Coatham Sands SSSI, example, street trees, planting, pocket parks, and Coatham Rocks geological site and Redcar green walls, and potentially incorporating public Rocks SSSI. Further inland , there is Coatham art, would help to create a more comprehensive Common and Coatham Marsh, which is a local network. nature reserve. Pedestrian permeability in this area and South Gare is poor. Please refer to the study area and town centre green and blue infrastructure plans on the Woodland following two pages. To the south of Dormanstown is Foxrush Farm Community Woodland, and further south again is Kirkleatham Village Woods. Separating Redcar, New Marske, and Marske-by-the-Sea are strategic gaps and green wedges.
RedcarImage Beach Label
46 Existing green and blue infrastructure - study area
47 Existing green and blue infrastructure - town centre
48 Connections There are also a number of local cycle paths Town centre Study area within the Town Deal boundary, including the off Permeability Pedestrians road shared path alongside Corporation Road The railway line creates a barrier to movement To the east of Esplanade, the route follows the and Trunk Road, connecting the college and the with limited crossing places, including the Coast Road and there are also footpaths along Teeworks site. This route breaks down to the level crossing on West Dyke Road, which can the Stray green space as far as Marske-by- east of the college where it meets West Dyke cause congestion when barriers are down. The the-Sea, where the path is interrupted at Cliff Road. road network in general is consequently quite Terrace by farmland before re joining the coast disjointed around the town centre. Redcar at Pit Hills Stell, although access is available Bus Lane and Thrush Road, in particular, suffer from along the beach. The alternative route follows There is no longer a bus station in Redcar (having congestion, and Esplanade is usually very busy, the high street through Marske-by-the-Sea but previously been located at the eastern end of the thereby restricting pedestrian movement from is an inconvenient diversion from the coast. The high street), although the Arriva offices and bus one side to the other. The north side of the ImageEsplanade Label Cleveland Way national walking route joins at shelters are located on West Dyke Road at the Esplanade, by contrast, provides a high-quality Saltburn and there are opportunities for this to be junction with the high street. There are bus stops pedestrian environment with a wide promenade, better connected into Redcar. To the west of the close to Redcar Central Station, on either side several shelters, seating and artwork along the Esplanade, the pedestrian route continues in front of the railway line. There are several bus routes way. of the Majuba Road car parks and to the rear of and stops within and around the town centre, Redcar Beach caravan park. There are informal although service frequency is an issue, and some Public realm trails through Coatham Dunes and along the areas such as Kirkleatham and the Teesworks Whilst the high street itself is pedestrianised, the beach, however, the golf links are a barrier to this site are less well served. public realm is tired and cluttered, and there are movement. poor links between High Street and the seafront Rail which do not encourage pedestrian movement. The alternative route to access South Gare is The Trunk Road and railway line act as a barrier The bus stops concentrated on West Dyke through Warrenby, which is also a vehicular to movement, particularly between the town Road at the Town Clock also form a barrier to route, although this is a private road. This is centre and residential areas to the south. There pedestrian movement between Queen Street Redcar CentralImage Station Label a convoluted route (shown on the diagram as are three grade separated bridges over /under and the high street, which is a key route to the South Gare linear trail), which skirts the northern the railway line in Redcar (two roads over rail station. The arrival experience at the station itself edge of the former steelworks site and leads on Kirkleatham Lane and Locke Road and one is poor, although there is a pedestrianised area past Paddy’s Hole to the South Gare breakwater road under rail on Borough Road), as well as and route towards West Dyke Road. However, and lighthouse. The Teesdale Way / Black Path two at grade level crossings on West Dyke Road the route towards High Street is unclear and heritage trail connects into the South Gare route and Redcar Lane. Redcar is served by Redcar difficult to navigate as a pedestrian or cyclist, with to the south of the golf links and tracks the Trunk Central Station in the town centre, as well as barriers, railings, large junctions, several crossing Road alongside the industrial sites towards Redcar East which is in a mainly residential area. points and unattractive routes passing surface South Bank station. The area to the south of Services to Redcar British Steel station to the car parks. Station Road is a key connection Warrenby, including Coatham Marsh and towards west were suspended in 2019. There is also a between Redcar Central Station and the Regent the Teesworks and Wilton sites suffers from poor station at South Bank to the south west of the Cinema on the seafront, but suffers from poor pedestrian permeability. Teesworks site. quality public realm. Connections could also be improved from the Coatham / Majuba Road site StationImage LabelRoad Cycle Road and Tuned In! in the west towards the station and National Cycle Route 1 takes in part of Redcar Redcar is well connected by road and rail, high street, with better pedestrian crossing and seafront, along Esplanade which is a shared although its location on the coast at the mouth cycling provision. cycle / pedestrian off-road path on the seafront of the River Tees means it does not function as side, and West Dyke Road which, is an on-road a through route. The A66 from Middlesbrough Cycle provision route with no cycle lanes. It then heads west connects to the Trunk Road which links into the Although National Cycle Route 1 runs along the towards Kirkleatham using on road cycle lanes centre of Redcar, and the A1053/A174, which seafront and through the centre of Redcar, it is and into Kirkleatham estate on road, before using skirts the southern edge. The main north-south not particularly well promoted. In general, the an off road shared path alongside the A174 dual routes are the A1042 between Kirkleatham and town centre offers little to attract cyclists and carriageway. the Trunk Road at Locke Park, and Redcar Lane lacks cycle parking and good quality cycle routes. to the east of the Racecourse. Please refer to the study area and town centre Queen Street andImage High StreetLabel connections plans on the following two pages.
49 Existing connections - study area
50 N
Regent Cinema To Newcommon Terrace Coatham Dunes and Boatin Redcar South Gare g Lake Beacon
Tuned In
Majuba Road Coastal path, links to Cleveland Way Coatham Common High Str Main bus eet lay-bys and Arrival office Esplanade Regent Walk
Coatham Road Wilton Street To Marske-by-the-Sea To Morrisons and Saltburn Warrenby and South Gare
Redcar Central Footbridge Station Footbridge
Redcar Lane
Redcar and Lack of Cleveland cycle paths College Thrush Road
Corporation Road Existing off West Terrace road shared To cycle path STDC site, Teesport etc 10 5 m in m wa in lk t c o y Sta c tion le
to S ta t io Schools n Racecourse
Car parks Pedestrianised areas To Main vehicle route Kirkleatham Main cycle route
Redcar Town Deal Project Number Issue Date Author Existing connectionsChecked - town centre Town Centre Connections 10268 P01 31/07/2020 LEL CRU 51 Stakeholder discussions Vacancies Summary Long term vacancies within the town centre, such As part of the Masterplan and Town Investment as the Uptons store and old bus station site, Plan process, engagement with stakeholders were mentioned frequently by consultees, who has identified a number of other emerging issues stated that these offer a poor image of Redcar. around Redcar’s current and future identity, It was felt that even temporary improvements to seaside activities, the provision of independent their appearance, whilst awaiting development shops and services, the town’s industrial heritage, opportunities, would be beneficial. green spaces, and clean energy. Independents Legibility Consultees have expressed that there may be Overall, consultees commented that Redcar feels potential to attract more independent retailers, to Existing Signage on High Street disjointed, too spread out (particularly the length help differentiate Redcar from other destinations of the high street), legibility is poor in comparison and to provide a unique food and drink offer. to places like Saltburn, and that clear ‘quarters’ This would provide a bespoke, quality offer, not within the town centre would be beneficial. In available elsewhere, and which attracts residents terms of connectivity, several consultees felt that as well as visitors. the highways infrastructure and wayfinding within the town centre needs a complete overhaul. Station Road The ‘Northern Quarter’ around Station Road was Connectivity and public realm cited as a good example of where Covid-19 road Buses stopping on West Dyke Road near the closure measurements are enabling businesses, Town Clock were identified as an issue for particularly bars and restaurants, to utilise more pedestrian ease of movement, although this external space. There was a sense amongst location does provide good accessibility for the consultees that there are some events and Regent Walk Crossing the Esplanade town centre. Cycle hire was suggested to create festivals, particularly around the Northern Quarter a tourist link between South Gare and Saltburn. community, but these need to spread to the high street and seafront. Several consultees expressed the view that the Esplanade is a busy road, making it difficult for Activities and events pedestrians to cross between the businesses on Almost all consultees commented on the lack the southern side and the high quality promenade of activities within Redcar for young people in on the northern side. Many commented that they particular. Opportunities were highlighted around would welcome a ‘more open, seaside feel’, and sport and activity and linking this in with the this could potentially be tested during closure visitor offer. Most consultees expressed pride for events and festivals. Several consultees for the coastline, but suggested it was underused commented that there is an opportunity to open in comparison with other towns. Consultees up a connection directly onto the seafront in the suggested that Redcar can offer something Former M&S store on High Street Vacant site at rear of former Uptons building location of the M&S store. The proposed park in different which should be focused around events, Stockton Town Centre, connecting the high street festivals, food and drink. However, currently is to the riverside, was cited as a good example. was felt that this is spread across the whole town and not focused enough.
Previous events on High Street The Halt, ‘Northern Quarter’
52 Consultees suggested events such as Christmas Housing markets, illuminations and a winter ice rink in Multi occupancy housing, including the Station Locke Park. Friends of Redcar reiterated that Hotel on the corner of Station Road and the coastline is the town’s most important asset Coatham Road, was highlighted by consultees and should be celebrated. Redcar’s beach is the as being problematic in terms of anti-social coastal resource for the rest of the Tees Valley but behaviour. Streets off Station Road, in particular it is not marketed in that way. Friends of Redcar Millbank Terrace, were identified by consultees as also suggested that the area’s heritage, including being unsafe in the evening. iron and steel, horse racing and industry, should be made more visible, for example at key RCDVA commented that there are opportunities gateways into the town and along heritage trails. to increase town centre living, including live work, taking advantage of seafront views. They Parking also expressed that improving existing town Some local business owners also stated that centre housing should be a priority, including being able to park nearby is important for their addressing the ingrained social issues, such as deliveries, customers, and staff, particularly in alcohol dependency, which come with it. Some terms of recruiting staff from further afield who are consultees, including Foundation, commented not well served by public transport. Anecdotally, that there is a lack of affordable housing in Morrisons car park is a popular place to park, Redcar. offering three hours of free town centre parking, and the link through Regent Walk is well used. A separate Housing Challenges and Opportunities report has been prepared by Teesworks opportunities Local Partnerships in order to inform the Representatives of Teesworks expressed that Council’s bid to the Towns Fund. This report due to the scale of the site there will be some provides an overview of the challenges, risks Redcar coastline and industrial heritage ancillary accommodation on site, for instance and opportunities relating to properties around small retail and cafés, however, this is not Redcar’s seafront, with a focus on housing, intended to compete with the town centre offer public buildings / land and development and Teesworks intention is that employees opportunities. It identifies projects along the and visitors to the site will access Redcar seafront which should be considered further for town centre. Adequate car parking and visitor either acquisition and development, decoration or accommodation were highlighted by Teesworks renewal / facelift. as the main requirements in the town centre. It was felt that living locally could be attractive, for example at Coatham or Warrenby, and that seafront living would be particularly attractive to Teesworks site employees. Cafés and amusements, DundasImage StreetLabel Existing housing, Newcomen Terrace
Former skate park Existing housing, StationImage LabelRoad
53 Current and Committed Projects
There are several planned developments within Transport strategies for Teesworks acknowledge the Town Deal area. the importance of establishing improved connectivity with Redcar town centre as an aid Teesworks to increasing footfall and boosting the town’s The Teesworks masterplan proposes economy, at the same time as affording easier development zones within the overall 1,800 access to employment opportunities for local hectare site. The masterplan supports the people by non-car transport modes. creation of a world class industrial park on the River Tees, heavily focused on the energy, Teesworks Skills Academy advanced manufacturing and engineering The skills academy forms a major part of the sectors. The Teesworks masterplan also future of Teesworks which aims to create considers how the new employment areas could thousands of high quality jobs centred around be better connected into the town centre and the advanced manufacturing, innovation and clean coastline. The area to the north overlaps with growth. Operating as a one-stop-shop, the proposed improvements to South Gare, which is academy will link investors, contractors, end historically linked to the steel industry, to create users, employment hubs, skills providers, an all year round visitor attraction and improve jobseekers and apprentices to create a world- accessibility and facilities. class workforce for the future, equipped with the expertise businesses at the site will need to grow The intention is to enable the Teesworks site and succeed. to be as open to the public and permeable as possible, depending on Freeport status, which Teesworks successfully secured Education would require limiting access to parts of the Training Collective as the delivery partner, site. Consideration has been given to creating leading a consortium which includes Redcar a cycle network linking through to South Gare, and Cleveland College, Redcar and Cleveland Teesworks site and a public realm strategy which improves Borough Councils Training and Employment the connection between South Gare and an Hubs, and Teesside University, to develop a skills improved Teesdale Way / Black Path corridor. plan to coordinate training and recruitment across This study also highlights the importance of the region and work with organisations to match green and blue corridors through the Teesworks employers with potential employees for the site. site. South Gare, and the connection into the town centre, are key areas for Teesworks and it Coatham Leisure Developments is intended that masterplans will be produced for There are several key planned developments these areas, cognisant of the SSSI designation. forming the Coatham Leisure Quarter within the town centre. The site for the Coatham In terms of connectivity, the Teesworks site aims masterplan includes the old Redcar Bowl Leisure to encourage travel to and from the site by public Centre and the land adjacent to the Tuned transport. Opportunities are being explored In! facility. The first phase includes a 42 bed to reopen stations at Redcar British Steel and hotel, indoor leisure based facilities, adventure Grangetown, and to upgrade the station at South golf, landscaping and a car park adjacent to Bank, and because of the scale of the site are the seafront. The second phase involves more likely to facilitate several nodes, rather than one leisure based activities including, water sports main interchange. Cycle parking will be provided hub and beach huts. throughout the site, including at railway stations. Hydrogen trains will be introduced on the Darlington to Saltburn line by 2024. The intention is that buses will also run within the site, and a study will be undertaken to explore opportunities for off site Park & Ride.
Coatham Hotel
54 Redcar Central Station The Redcar Central Station refurbishment and masterplan will revitalise the station by providing internal space for events / performances, workspace units, cafés / bars etc, encouraging footfall through the station and establishing it as a destination in its own right. This will be supported by public realm improvements to the area outside the station and at the southern end of Station Road, with the potential for a new bus terminal to the south of the station. This project will help to create a destination to mirror that of Redcar central station proposals Kirkleatham walled garden the Regent Cinema at the northern end of Station Road and support local businesses both within the station and along this key route.
Regent Cinema The Regent Cinema project is a new cinema on the site of the existing art deco cinema on the seafront. This will provide a new three screen cinema with a cafe/bar overlooking the sea. Car parking will be provided at Turner Street car park, and the cinema is within easy walking distance of the town centre and station. Redcar central station proposals KirkleathamImage stables Label Kirkleatham In Kirkleatham, the redeveloped walled garden and catering academy will be opening in 2021 and a feasibility study has been carried out on the Stable Block focussed on a mixture of refurbishment and new build for a mix of uses. Kirkleatham Business Park also falls within a wider Enterprise Zone with immediately available plots within the business park.
Please refer to the current and committed projects plan on the following page. The Regent Cinema proposals
The Regent Cinema proposals The Regent Cinema proposals
55 Current and committed projects
56 Challenges and Opportunities
Study area Challenges This baseline work has identified a number of challenges facing Redcar. These include the fact that: • The town lacks a ‘centre of gravity’ or a focal point for events and activities • The high street is too long and suffers from vacancies, a cluttered and tired public realm, and poor connectivity to the seafront, station and Redcar Community Heart • There is poor connectivity between key destinations and facilities due to barriers, including the railway line, Trunk Road, West Dyke Road / Wilton Street and various areas of car parking. This also applies to links between the planned gateway leisure development at Coatham and the high street, as well as connectivity between the surrounding open spaces and local nature reserves (eg Coatham Marsh and Foxrush Community Woodland) • There is a poor perception of Redcar at arrival points, including the station and other entrances to the town centre • The frontage of buildings presented onto the seafront (often the rear of properties) is often poor quality in appearance and there are underused assets, such as the boating lake and adjacent bandstand.
Study area challenges
57 Town centre challenges
58 Opportunities The diagrams on this page and overleaf illustrate some of the initial opportunities explored as part of the masterplan process. These include: • The potential to provide a more coherent seafront offer with appropriate uses, for example, visitor attractions, leisure and seafront hotels and housing, by identifying key infill sites and improving existing seafront properties • Reinvigorating the high street, by diversifying the offer, repurposing vacant units, attracting more independents and creative industries, and building on the success of the ‘Northern Quarter’ around Station Road • Creating a ‘festival ready’ High Street. There is opportunity for other improvements, including the creation of a central focal point and town wide public realm improvements • The potential to increase and enhance town centre living, including improvements to Station Road • The need to improve walking and cycling connections, and the public realm, between the station, college, High Street, seafront, the Coatham masterplan site and South Gare, as well as enhance key gateways into the town • The need to ensure Redcar is ready for the huge employment opportunities to be created at Teesworks, by providing housing, services and connectivity (including active and sustainable travel links between town centre, residential areas and Teesworks, as well as other employment sites at Wilton International and Kirkleatham) • The potential to explore opportunities for building on attractions at Kirkleatham, such as the walled garden, including potential repurposing of stable block Study area opportunities • Creating a clear place identity which builds on the existing assets which Redcar is known for (including as a seaside destination, with a racecourse, attractive coastline, steel heritage and low carbon industries). This should form part of Redcar’s Place Marketing programme and involve the Place Board
59 Town centre opportunities
60 5 Masterplan
61 Masterplan Principles
Introduction The masterplan principles set the overall spatial framework for the town centre and wider study area, within which masterplan projects are located. These principles have been informed by the baseline analysis and the challenges and opportunities identified from this assessment and engagement with stakeholders. The masterplan principles relate directly to the Vision and its supporting objectives, shaped by the local community, the Town Deal Board, and other stakeholders. Seafront Views Employment Opportunities
Events and festivals Independent businesses Connectivity and wayfinding
Public realm Vibrant high street
62 Study area Connecting Teesworks into Redcar is a These currently disconnected areas - Teesworks, Facilitating active travel is a key objective of the As shown on the diagram on the next page, key objective and will be delivered through an Wilton, South Gare, and Coatham / the seafront, masterplan. There will be improved and walking the town centre and seafront will be promoted improved pedestrian and cycle route between will be connected via an improved network of and cycling links and wayfinding, between visitor as a visitor destination with a range of year the Teesworks and Wilton sites, and the town walking and cycling routes around Coatham arrival points and destinations. In order to better round attractions and events that will drive a centre. This will dovetail with the proposals as Marsh, providing enhanced accessibility. connect people with employment opportunities, vibrant visitor economy, with an exciting offer for part of the Teesworks masterplan, for instance Residential areas such as Dormanstown and the masterplan proposes improved walking and thrill seekers and families alike. This will be well improvements at the British Steel roundabout and Newcommen will also be better connected cycling routes between the Town Centre and connected to other attractions in the wider gateway to the site and accessibility by public through improved green links, walking and Teesworks, Wilton, and other employment sites, area, including the Racecourse and Kirkleatham, transport. cycling routes. and residential areas. making it easy for people to travel around Redcar by sustainable modes. In order to supporting the visitor economy and Opportunities will be explored to redevelop the encourage walking and cycling, a continuous Stables at Kirkleatham to complement the leisure A number of key gateways into Redcar will coastal route will be promoted between Saltburn and cultural offer in this area including the be improved, with new road and pedestrian / and South Gare, including a cycle hub and Festival of Thrift, Kirkleatham Museum and recent cycle signage, ‘welcome features’ for instance, parking and improved wayfinding. This will link investment at the Walled Garden. This area will sculptures, and improved pedestrian and cycle into established routes such as the Cleveland also benefit from improvements to National Cycle crossings, public realm and landscape. It Way, and the Teesdale Way which will be Route 1 and gateways into Redcar. is intended that interpretation and artwork, improved. As part of this, there will be improved reflecting theindustrial heritage of Redcar is connections to South Gare, and improved visitor integrated along these key connections and at facilities here, opening up access to Redcar’s gateways to the town. natural and heritage assets. This complements investment at Coatham and along the Esplanade.
Precedent images
63 Wider Area Boundary
Town Centre Improved Access and Facilities at Station South Gare Railway
Employment
Improved connections
Improve green links Improved connectivity ith Redcar isitor Gateway Redcar To n Destination Centre Attractions
Redcar Central Station Improved Walking and Cycling To n Gate ay northern Routes Centre Seal Sands access to Tees orks and Wilton International Improved Improved Teesport green links, Docks connection to alking and Cycle Parking Saltburn and cycling routes and Bike Tees orks Dormansto n Cleveland Way Share Racecourse Strategy eritage Strategy
Teeside Way Black Path