Operator announced for Redcar’s Coastal Activity Hub

AN OPERATOR has been announced for Redcar’s Coastal Activity Hub.

Imaginative Productions – the operator behind Scream Factory and the Café at Kirkleatham Museum – won the tender process.

This means the Coastal Activity Hub near Majuba Car Park, which will have two provisionally licenced food and beverage units, is on schedule to open in spring 2024.

British Triathlon, British Rowing and British Cycling - the National Governing Bodies for their respective sports – have all endorsed the project with a vision of bringing community activities and local, regional, and national competitions to the hub, including the Go Tri series.

Tom Tate, Business Manager, said:

“We at Imaginative Productions are genuinely honoured to have been granted the tenancy of the Coastal Activity Hub. This is a momentous opportunity for us to contribute to the community and to enhance the coastal experience for locals and visitors alike.

“We are committed to this project and the positive impact it will have on the area.”

The hub will soon offer the opportunity for local organisations to host a range of exciting activities, sports and events. The unique shipping container village will be used as a meeting place and an informal base for clubs, school groups, activity leaders, families, and groups of friends.

Facilities for the Coastal Activity Hub will include a range of indoor and outdoor multi-use spaces, public toilet facilities, showers, lockers, an equipment store, changing facilities and parking as well as provisionally licenced food and beverage units.

The external space adjacent to the container village will form a flexible event area that could be used for a range of outdoor activities, such as exercise classes, sports, and demonstrations. It could also provide space for an event village, from which competitions could start and finish, including running festivals and triathlons.

The total cost of the project is £880,000 with £855,000 being met by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and £25,000 via the Redcar Town Deal, funded by the UK Government.

The Redcar Town Deal is led by a group of industry experts, business leaders, and community representatives, who have volunteered to support the regeneration of Redcar. Alongside the Council, they have helped develop large-scale regeneration plans on how to make Redcar a vibrant, sustainable town.

Catherine Clennett, Chair of the Redcar Town Deal Board, said:

“The Coastal Activity Hub is an extremely exciting development for the people of Redcar and surrounding areas. The Redcar Town Deal Board are looking forward to seeing the facility open in the spring and seeing local people benefit from the refreshment offer and events that take place. We are extremely pleased Imaginative Productions will be working with the council events teams to bring an inclusive range of activities to suit all ages and abilities within our local community.”

Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor, said:

“Redcar has been crying out for another top-class facility on its coast and I’m delighted a proven performer has been chosen to operate the new hub.

“Boosting tourism and ensuring Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool have vibrant and worthwhile attractions is a big part of what we’re doing. I’m looking forward to it opening next year.”

Cllr Lynn Pallister, Cabinet Member for Growth and Enterprise at the Council, said:

“I’d like to congratulate Imaginative Productions on their appointment as the operator for what is going to be a fantastic attraction for local residents and visitors. The Hub will soon become the home for sports clubs and community groups as well as a place to host regional and national competitions.”