Eston Precinct

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In recent years, Eston has faced many challenges. Empty shops on Eston’s High Street, for instance, have increased while the existing Eston Precinct is a dated retail environment.

The proposed redevelopment therefore aims to provide high-quality retail and leisure facilities and will enhance the surrounding area with new paving, trees and benches. These developments will help to attract new retailers and provide a better and more vibrant environment for residents to shop.

The vision of Greater Eston Levelling Up is for the precinct to become a retail hub at the heart of Eston, benefiting residents and the local economy for years to come. It will provide much-needed local services, as well as ensuring that Eston is a pleasant place to visit.

The existing precinct is set to be demolished within the Summer period of 2025.

The Council will then be building a phase 1 of seven new retail units (14,600sqft) to lease, along with the creation of a new outdoor precinct area with new paving, benches, lights, and power points for events and markets. The principal contractor for the demolition and newbuild is Esh Construction.

Note that £9M of the funding is provided by Levelling Up Funding, and £2M is provided by the Indigenous Growth Fund, as part of Tees Valley Combined Authority. This provides a total fund of £11M.

NOTIFICATION OF PUBLIC VOTE ON NAME OF THE NEW DEVELOPMENT (MAY 2025):

The votes were cast as the following:

Eston Precinct – 318 votes (winner)

Eston Arches – 177 votes

Heritage Row – 102 votes

The Sidings – 66 votes



Milestone reached as next construction phase is set to begin at Eston Precinct

DECEMBER 2025

Esh Construction continues delivery of the Eston Precinct regeneration on behalf of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council.

The major redevelopment of Eston Precinct has taken a step forward with the next phase of work set to begin.

North of England contractor, Esh Construction, is working in partnership with Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council to transform the retail facility and enhance the overall appearance of Eston as a vibrant and welcoming destination.

Demolition of the existing precinct is now complete, paving the way for seven new retail units and an outdoor leisure space. The new precinct will provide 14,600 square feet of high-quality retail space for residents and visitors.

The initial phase of the project saw 18 retail units and six flats located above the units safely brought down, harnessing remote demolition technology. Asbestos was also removed – including notifiable materials – to ensure the safety of the site. The foundations are scheduled for removal as the new construction phase advances. In total, the demolition phase processed 4,454 tonnes of type 1 and 230 tonnes of recycled 6F2 materials into a recycled product.

Grant Watson, Construction Manager at Esh Construction, said: “We are proud to bring our expertise to the Eston Precinct redevelopment and to be moving onto the next stage in the project.

“Working collaboratively with our client, we are looking forward to seeing the positive impact that this scheme will have in Eston and we remain committed to bringing forward initiatives to maximise social and economic benefits throughout.”

With the site now cleared, bulk earthworks and engineering fill will be carried out to enable foundations for the new building to be installed. Next year, passersby will see steel frames being installed as the new precinct begins to take shape.

Planned improvements to the surrounding external areas include new paving, trees, benches, and upgraded lighting and power infrastructure – supporting events and markets and establishing Eston Precinct as a thriving community destination.

Cllr Lynn Pallister, Cabinet Member for Growth and Enterprise at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “This next phase marks an exciting milestone, and it’s fantastic to see such progress taking shape. Residents will soon notice significant improvements to the area, including the steel framework for seven new retail units and a beautifully landscaped outdoor space.

"The new precinct will offer high-quality retail opportunities for both residents and visitors, creating an inviting place to shop and spend time. I want to thank everyone for their patience and am delighted to see these plans becoming a reality. With demolition now complete and preparations underway to ready the site and resources, you can expect to see a lot of activity starting on site in January.”

The project is being funded by the UK Government and Tees Valley Combined Authority. Phase one is expected to be completed by autumn 2026.

Esh is working alongside Identity Consult, Space and Fairhurst to deliver the scheme.







In recent years, Eston has faced many challenges. Empty shops on Eston’s High Street, for instance, have increased while the existing Eston Precinct is a dated retail environment.

The proposed redevelopment therefore aims to provide high-quality retail and leisure facilities and will enhance the surrounding area with new paving, trees and benches. These developments will help to attract new retailers and provide a better and more vibrant environment for residents to shop.

The vision of Greater Eston Levelling Up is for the precinct to become a retail hub at the heart of Eston, benefiting residents and the local economy for years to come. It will provide much-needed local services, as well as ensuring that Eston is a pleasant place to visit.

The existing precinct is set to be demolished within the Summer period of 2025.

The Council will then be building a phase 1 of seven new retail units (14,600sqft) to lease, along with the creation of a new outdoor precinct area with new paving, benches, lights, and power points for events and markets. The principal contractor for the demolition and newbuild is Esh Construction.

Note that £9M of the funding is provided by Levelling Up Funding, and £2M is provided by the Indigenous Growth Fund, as part of Tees Valley Combined Authority. This provides a total fund of £11M.

NOTIFICATION OF PUBLIC VOTE ON NAME OF THE NEW DEVELOPMENT (MAY 2025):

The votes were cast as the following:

Eston Precinct – 318 votes (winner)

Eston Arches – 177 votes

Heritage Row – 102 votes

The Sidings – 66 votes



Milestone reached as next construction phase is set to begin at Eston Precinct

DECEMBER 2025

Esh Construction continues delivery of the Eston Precinct regeneration on behalf of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council.

The major redevelopment of Eston Precinct has taken a step forward with the next phase of work set to begin.

North of England contractor, Esh Construction, is working in partnership with Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council to transform the retail facility and enhance the overall appearance of Eston as a vibrant and welcoming destination.

Demolition of the existing precinct is now complete, paving the way for seven new retail units and an outdoor leisure space. The new precinct will provide 14,600 square feet of high-quality retail space for residents and visitors.

The initial phase of the project saw 18 retail units and six flats located above the units safely brought down, harnessing remote demolition technology. Asbestos was also removed – including notifiable materials – to ensure the safety of the site. The foundations are scheduled for removal as the new construction phase advances. In total, the demolition phase processed 4,454 tonnes of type 1 and 230 tonnes of recycled 6F2 materials into a recycled product.

Grant Watson, Construction Manager at Esh Construction, said: “We are proud to bring our expertise to the Eston Precinct redevelopment and to be moving onto the next stage in the project.

“Working collaboratively with our client, we are looking forward to seeing the positive impact that this scheme will have in Eston and we remain committed to bringing forward initiatives to maximise social and economic benefits throughout.”

With the site now cleared, bulk earthworks and engineering fill will be carried out to enable foundations for the new building to be installed. Next year, passersby will see steel frames being installed as the new precinct begins to take shape.

Planned improvements to the surrounding external areas include new paving, trees, benches, and upgraded lighting and power infrastructure – supporting events and markets and establishing Eston Precinct as a thriving community destination.

Cllr Lynn Pallister, Cabinet Member for Growth and Enterprise at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “This next phase marks an exciting milestone, and it’s fantastic to see such progress taking shape. Residents will soon notice significant improvements to the area, including the steel framework for seven new retail units and a beautifully landscaped outdoor space.

"The new precinct will offer high-quality retail opportunities for both residents and visitors, creating an inviting place to shop and spend time. I want to thank everyone for their patience and am delighted to see these plans becoming a reality. With demolition now complete and preparations underway to ready the site and resources, you can expect to see a lot of activity starting on site in January.”

The project is being funded by the UK Government and Tees Valley Combined Authority. Phase one is expected to be completed by autumn 2026.

Esh is working alongside Identity Consult, Space and Fairhurst to deliver the scheme.







Eston Precinct Questions

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  • Share Thanks for confirming that the demolition plan is going ahead and also confirming that only half on the new units will be built. Could you please explain why this is, as it appears the original funding seemed to be for all units to be built? Why hasn’t this been communicated to people, so everyone is aware of what’s happening? on Facebook Share Thanks for confirming that the demolition plan is going ahead and also confirming that only half on the new units will be built. Could you please explain why this is, as it appears the original funding seemed to be for all units to be built? Why hasn’t this been communicated to people, so everyone is aware of what’s happening? on Twitter Share Thanks for confirming that the demolition plan is going ahead and also confirming that only half on the new units will be built. Could you please explain why this is, as it appears the original funding seemed to be for all units to be built? Why hasn’t this been communicated to people, so everyone is aware of what’s happening? on Linkedin Email Thanks for confirming that the demolition plan is going ahead and also confirming that only half on the new units will be built. Could you please explain why this is, as it appears the original funding seemed to be for all units to be built? Why hasn’t this been communicated to people, so everyone is aware of what’s happening? link

    Thanks for confirming that the demolition plan is going ahead and also confirming that only half on the new units will be built. Could you please explain why this is, as it appears the original funding seemed to be for all units to be built? Why hasn’t this been communicated to people, so everyone is aware of what’s happening?

    Marko15 asked 6 months ago

    Hello, at the public consultation event in September 2024 (open to all and local area leaflets also invited people), and subsequent information on Council social media and the web pages, it has been communicated that the existing precinct is to be fully demolished; and then a phase 1 area of up to 7 units built in replacement.  The project budget is being managed appropriately so there is no overspend as the cost of construction has risen greatly in recent times.  All local councillors and stakeholders have been briefed and the local media such as the Evening Gazette have ran stories stating a phase 1 area of up to 7 units will be built.  Thank you.

  • Share Thank you for your reply to my earlier question, but could R&C council confirm that “both” sides of the proposed development will be built? You have replied stating that only both sides of the existing precinct will be demolished? on Facebook Share Thank you for your reply to my earlier question, but could R&C council confirm that “both” sides of the proposed development will be built? You have replied stating that only both sides of the existing precinct will be demolished? on Twitter Share Thank you for your reply to my earlier question, but could R&C council confirm that “both” sides of the proposed development will be built? You have replied stating that only both sides of the existing precinct will be demolished? on Linkedin Email Thank you for your reply to my earlier question, but could R&C council confirm that “both” sides of the proposed development will be built? You have replied stating that only both sides of the existing precinct will be demolished? link

    Thank you for your reply to my earlier question, but could R&C council confirm that “both” sides of the proposed development will be built? You have replied stating that only both sides of the existing precinct will be demolished?

    Marko15 asked 6 months ago

    Hello, the Council is to build 7 new retail units at a total of 14,500sqft of space, and within a phase 1 development. Please see the plans and information on the main webpage for details.  However, planning permission is sought for 14 new units in total including for a phase 2 area of new space if future funding comes on line.

  • Share Could the council please confirm that they are demolishing and building new units on both sides of Eston Precinct? The recent images I have seen, only show one side of new units? Also it appears that the new Sunbed /beauty parlour and Michael Poole Estate agents buildings are not included in the design. Are these building remaining as they are? on Facebook Share Could the council please confirm that they are demolishing and building new units on both sides of Eston Precinct? The recent images I have seen, only show one side of new units? Also it appears that the new Sunbed /beauty parlour and Michael Poole Estate agents buildings are not included in the design. Are these building remaining as they are? on Twitter Share Could the council please confirm that they are demolishing and building new units on both sides of Eston Precinct? The recent images I have seen, only show one side of new units? Also it appears that the new Sunbed /beauty parlour and Michael Poole Estate agents buildings are not included in the design. Are these building remaining as they are? on Linkedin Email Could the council please confirm that they are demolishing and building new units on both sides of Eston Precinct? The recent images I have seen, only show one side of new units? Also it appears that the new Sunbed /beauty parlour and Michael Poole Estate agents buildings are not included in the design. Are these building remaining as they are? link

    Could the council please confirm that they are demolishing and building new units on both sides of Eston Precinct? The recent images I have seen, only show one side of new units? Also it appears that the new Sunbed /beauty parlour and Michael Poole Estate agents buildings are not included in the design. Are these building remaining as they are?

    Marko15 asked 6 months ago

    Hello, yes both sides of Eston Precinct will be demolished - only units 125/127 & 129 will be left (Michael Poole's and the tanning shop). Thank you.

  • Share At a time when many local high street shops in the most thriving places are struggling to attract customers, is this another recipe for another 50 years of boarded up buildings? on Facebook Share At a time when many local high street shops in the most thriving places are struggling to attract customers, is this another recipe for another 50 years of boarded up buildings? on Twitter Share At a time when many local high street shops in the most thriving places are struggling to attract customers, is this another recipe for another 50 years of boarded up buildings? on Linkedin Email At a time when many local high street shops in the most thriving places are struggling to attract customers, is this another recipe for another 50 years of boarded up buildings? link

    At a time when many local high street shops in the most thriving places are struggling to attract customers, is this another recipe for another 50 years of boarded up buildings?

    Ll1 asked 10 months ago

    Thank you for getting in touch.

    The Council has undertaken due diligence with an external demand and impact assessment undertaken by a specialist retail agency; and have taken the project forward so that it can acquire and redevelop a new precinct with an appropriate mix of tenant businesses. The development will be phased so initially a phase 1 area of new retail units will be built first on the western side of the precinct. The Council can then review and decide upon if there is further demand for a phase 2 development to be built on the eastern side of the site. The local community has for a long time requested that the Council intervene and there is a strong business case standing behind the project.

    Kind Regards,
    Eston Levelling Up Project Team

  • Share Is the eston precinct development now getting cancelled ? and the gym and other businesses are staying up ? on Facebook Share Is the eston precinct development now getting cancelled ? and the gym and other businesses are staying up ? on Twitter Share Is the eston precinct development now getting cancelled ? and the gym and other businesses are staying up ? on Linkedin Email Is the eston precinct development now getting cancelled ? and the gym and other businesses are staying up ? link

    Is the eston precinct development now getting cancelled ? and the gym and other businesses are staying up ?

    Marie illingworrh asked about 1 year ago

    Dear Marie,

    Thank you for getting touch.

    Please note that the Eston Precinct regeneration project is not cancelled, with demolition due to commence in May 2025. Businesses within the redevelopment area - including the gym - will be relocating to make way for the new development. Thank you.

    Best regards,
    Eston Levelling Up Project Team

  • Share Why has my question from a few weeks ago ,been removed ? Still wondering if demolition is going ahead on the gym etc ? on Facebook Share Why has my question from a few weeks ago ,been removed ? Still wondering if demolition is going ahead on the gym etc ? on Twitter Share Why has my question from a few weeks ago ,been removed ? Still wondering if demolition is going ahead on the gym etc ? on Linkedin Email Why has my question from a few weeks ago ,been removed ? Still wondering if demolition is going ahead on the gym etc ? link

    Why has my question from a few weeks ago ,been removed ? Still wondering if demolition is going ahead on the gym etc ?

    Dawn asked over 1 year ago

    Dear Dawn,

    We did respond to your previous message via a direct response - please let us know if you did not receive this by contacting us at Eston.levellingup@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk, and we will be happy to respond.

    In the meantime, we can confirm that the Council are still committed to the Eston Precinct project and currently in negotiations with various landowners to acquire the site to facilitate development.

    Further updates will be provided as soon as the Council is in a position to confirm them.

    Thank you.

    Best wishes,
    Eston Levelling Up Project Team

  • Share Can you stop avoiding us and hive us landlords and tenants an update of this circus on Facebook Share Can you stop avoiding us and hive us landlords and tenants an update of this circus on Twitter Share Can you stop avoiding us and hive us landlords and tenants an update of this circus on Linkedin Email Can you stop avoiding us and hive us landlords and tenants an update of this circus link

    Can you stop avoiding us and hive us landlords and tenants an update of this circus

    Nadia asked over 1 year ago

    Dear Nadia,

    Thank you for getting touch.

    Although the nature of our negotiations remain confidential, we can state that positive progress is being made in the acquisition of remaining properties for Eston Precinct. While we appreciate frustration at the lack of public updates on this, please rest assured that we are doing everything possible to move the process along as quickly as possible. Thank you.

    Best wishes,
    Eston Levelling Up Project Team

  • Share Rumours are rife that the plans have now changed and properties will not be demolished as previously briefed. Please can we have an update which outline any changes to the original proposal with reasons for any changes. on Facebook Share Rumours are rife that the plans have now changed and properties will not be demolished as previously briefed. Please can we have an update which outline any changes to the original proposal with reasons for any changes. on Twitter Share Rumours are rife that the plans have now changed and properties will not be demolished as previously briefed. Please can we have an update which outline any changes to the original proposal with reasons for any changes. on Linkedin Email Rumours are rife that the plans have now changed and properties will not be demolished as previously briefed. Please can we have an update which outline any changes to the original proposal with reasons for any changes. link

    Rumours are rife that the plans have now changed and properties will not be demolished as previously briefed. Please can we have an update which outline any changes to the original proposal with reasons for any changes.

    Gillian Tarry asked over 1 year ago

    Dear Gillian,

    Thank you for getting in touch.

    We’re currently negotiating with each of the Eston Precinct business owners so we can agree to acquire all the freehold interests in one go. Unfortunately, this takes time as there are various parties we need to agree a deal with, but we anticipate this should be concluded in May/June. Alongside this we’re designing the new retail shopping unit which we’ll need to secure Planning Permission for ahead of any demolition of the old Precinct and build of the new units.

    We know this is a frustrating time for businesses and local people and are trying out utmost to agree acquisition as quickly as possible.

    Please check back on the website for future updates on Eston Precinct. Thank you.

    Best wishes,
    Greater Eston Levelling Up Project Team

  • Share The Levelling up fund announcement was made in March 2023, with £8 Million allocated to the Eston precinct redevelopment. Looking at the lifecycle for this process, the proposed construction is not going to take place until February 2025. Why are the council dragging this process out? It took 5 months for a design team to be appointed. Why? Have they submitted designs already? Can we view these designs? If they haven’t and it has been an interview process, why has it took so long to appoint a design team. How long does a site survey take? The area has no access issues. The current landlords are available for any consultations, so why is this taking so long? Why aren’t the council providing monthly updates, so that they can be held accountable? on Facebook Share The Levelling up fund announcement was made in March 2023, with £8 Million allocated to the Eston precinct redevelopment. Looking at the lifecycle for this process, the proposed construction is not going to take place until February 2025. Why are the council dragging this process out? It took 5 months for a design team to be appointed. Why? Have they submitted designs already? Can we view these designs? If they haven’t and it has been an interview process, why has it took so long to appoint a design team. How long does a site survey take? The area has no access issues. The current landlords are available for any consultations, so why is this taking so long? Why aren’t the council providing monthly updates, so that they can be held accountable? on Twitter Share The Levelling up fund announcement was made in March 2023, with £8 Million allocated to the Eston precinct redevelopment. Looking at the lifecycle for this process, the proposed construction is not going to take place until February 2025. Why are the council dragging this process out? It took 5 months for a design team to be appointed. Why? Have they submitted designs already? Can we view these designs? If they haven’t and it has been an interview process, why has it took so long to appoint a design team. How long does a site survey take? The area has no access issues. The current landlords are available for any consultations, so why is this taking so long? Why aren’t the council providing monthly updates, so that they can be held accountable? on Linkedin Email The Levelling up fund announcement was made in March 2023, with £8 Million allocated to the Eston precinct redevelopment. Looking at the lifecycle for this process, the proposed construction is not going to take place until February 2025. Why are the council dragging this process out? It took 5 months for a design team to be appointed. Why? Have they submitted designs already? Can we view these designs? If they haven’t and it has been an interview process, why has it took so long to appoint a design team. How long does a site survey take? The area has no access issues. The current landlords are available for any consultations, so why is this taking so long? Why aren’t the council providing monthly updates, so that they can be held accountable? link

    The Levelling up fund announcement was made in March 2023, with £8 Million allocated to the Eston precinct redevelopment. Looking at the lifecycle for this process, the proposed construction is not going to take place until February 2025. Why are the council dragging this process out? It took 5 months for a design team to be appointed. Why? Have they submitted designs already? Can we view these designs? If they haven’t and it has been an interview process, why has it took so long to appoint a design team. How long does a site survey take? The area has no access issues. The current landlords are available for any consultations, so why is this taking so long? Why aren’t the council providing monthly updates, so that they can be held accountable?

    Marko15 asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for your further enquiries on the Eston Precinct project we have broken your various questions down and respond as follows:

    Whist the announcements for Levelling Up Funding (LUF) Round 2 were in January 2023, the Eston funding did not form part of that announcement. The Eston funding came separately as an additional batch of schemes under an additional fund called Capital Regeneration Projects, this was announced in the spring budget in March 2023. The council were not permitted to commence any works or expend any of the funding until a Memorandum of Understanding had been received and an inception meeting held and approved by the Department for Levelling Up Communities and Housing (DLUCH). This didn’t happen until August 2023. This was out of the Council’s control.

    Once the Council was given the go ahead, we commenced with the procurement of the project and design teams. The initial team was appointed after a tender process and the remainder of the team appointed in the months after. Tendering takes place over a period of months to enable the tenderers are given sufficient time to submit best value tenders. This was followed by evaluations, authorisation and appointments; again, these all take time to undertake.

    The design process follows RIBA Plan of Work guidance with initial stages commencing in November 2023. We are currently in RIBA stage 2 - concept design. At the end of detailed design - stage 3, we will commence the planning process and, as we described in our earlier e-mail, this is programmed for June this year. We will share designs once these are fixed and progressed sufficiently and approved internally, via a consultation process.

    Surveys are ongoing and include several different types including topographical surveys, 3D laser surveys, ground investigations, utility searches, drainage surveys, ecology surveys, highways investigations and others. Again, these take time to procure, appoint, undertake the surveys and provide reports. Only then can the designs consider the investigations.

    Negotiations are in advanced talks with all the freeholders, these discussions are progressing and are not holding up the overall programme.

    The team report into an Eston Regeneration Group with reports submitted monthly and with quarterly meetings. All projects are also reported into the Council’s Scrutiny Committee and approvals gained via the Council’s Cabinet process.

    Thank you.

    Best Wishes,
    Eston Levelling Up Project Team

  • Share Why is the “proposed” development taking so long to start? Will this ever go ahead? Another false dawn for Forgotten Eston? on Facebook Share Why is the “proposed” development taking so long to start? Will this ever go ahead? Another false dawn for Forgotten Eston? on Twitter Share Why is the “proposed” development taking so long to start? Will this ever go ahead? Another false dawn for Forgotten Eston? on Linkedin Email Why is the “proposed” development taking so long to start? Will this ever go ahead? Another false dawn for Forgotten Eston? link

    Why is the “proposed” development taking so long to start? Will this ever go ahead? Another false dawn for Forgotten Eston?

    Marko15 asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for your enquiry.

    The council and the appointed design team, who successfully tendered for the project, are working up design proposals for the redevelopment of the precinct and are progressing to programme. There is a lot to do before we are ready to undertake planning consultation and submit the required documentation for a planning application. This includes site surveys and investigations, outline designs progressing to detailed design, and all the necessary detailed reports required for planning. We have put a life cycle on the website and anticipate pre-planning consultation in June. Plus, we need to negotiate with all of the freeholders to try to acquire their interests. We will continue to update the website with updates as we proceed.

    Best wishes,
    Eston Levelling Up Project Team

Page last updated: 03 Dec 2025, 11:04 AM