The Lookout - A New Culture and Leisure Attraction

Work on The Lookout will pause over Christmas from 24th December and the contractor will return to site on Monday 5th January 2026. During this period, should there be an emergency related to the The Lookout works site, please call the Council's main number (01642 774774), the operators will ensure any issues are escalated to the relevant operatives and dealt with.

The steel frame is now taking shape, marking a major milestone in the development of The Lookout - which will become a space for people to meet, relax and have fun all year round.

This development, alongside the transformation of the High Street, is part of Redcar Town Deal investment, bringing change to the area, supporting local businesses and jobs, and attracting more visitors.

All businesses remain open as usual during the works – thank you for your patience!

PUPILS from five Redcar primary schools played a key role in inspiring the name of a new family attraction currently under construction on Redcar High Street.

The new building in Redcar town centre will be called The Lookout and the attraction, which is still being constructed, will host events and will have a modern library with digital technology and learning spaces.

It’s part of the Redcar Town Deal project to revitalise the town and over recent months Town Deal Board Member Jenny Archer and Redcar and Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency (RCVDA) worked with pupils from:

• St. Benedict's Catholic Primary School
• Newcomen Primary School
• Lakes Primary School
• John E. Batty Primary School
• Zetland Primary School

Pupils gathered at the construction site on Monday, 24 November to help announce the name.

The name ‘The Lookout’ was inspired by pupils’ ideas and pays homage to Redcar’s historic Old Lookout on South Terrace, a former fisherman’s vantage point dating back to 1854.

The Lookout will support the transformation of the Esplanade and High Street, offering a family-friendly hub under one roof. It will feature things to do for all the family to boost Redcar’s visitor economy, a modern library, digital technology, learning spaces, and a programme of events. Visitors will enjoy entertainment areas, food and drink, and a welcoming space for all year round.

The building will include an internal street linking the Esplanade to a new Public Square, designed for small events, pop-up stalls, workshops and outdoor performances.

The project is part of the Redcar Town Deal, developed after public consultation. The board includes industry experts, business leaders, the local MP and council

Catherine Clennett, Chair of the Redcar Town Deal Board, said: "This new family-friendly venue will help transform our high street, attracting more residents and visitors to the town centre. It’s a key part of our Town Deal plans to transform Redcar, and we’re thrilled to see it coming to life."

Cllr Alec Brown, Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: "We’d like to thank the local pupils who helped name this attraction. They can take pride in knowing they’ve made a lasting mark on their high street. This venue will offer something for everyone, rain or shine, drawing more people to our high street, local businesses, and seafront. We’re delighted to see this progress.

Improvements to Redcar town centre continue, with steel framing now being erected at what will be a new family attraction.

The attraction will boast a modern library and learning spaces and will host a programme of family events.

The building will include an internal street linking the Esplanade to a new public square, designed for small events, pop-up stalls, workshops and outdoor performances.

The attraction is part of the Redcar Town Deal programme to revitalise the town and we're really excited to reach this milestone in the redevelopment and regeneration process!

Check out the latest drone footage of the works on the Anchor Attraction site (and the progress on Redcar High Street too)...

https://youtu.be/vq2Uxu7zrrw

Construction of the new public square is underway - with the site cleared, levelled and the base course taking shape! To see the latest images of what the new public square will look like, please visit New Public Square - Latest Images | Culture and Leisure Anchor Attraction | YourVoiceMatters

Thursday 11th September 2pm - 6.30pm

Rediscover Redcar, 12 West Terrace, Redcar TS10 1DS

An opportunity for members of the public to look at the latest plans and talk to Council officers and the High Street contractor about the Redcar Town Deal projects including:

• the High Street refurbishment and the timetable for completion of sections of work;
• progress towards construction of the new Culture and Leisure Anchor Attraction;
• the future opportunities for small and large events on the High Street and the new Public Square;
• the future locations of the market as works progress.

The new Culture & Leisure Anchor Attraction will include an internal street linking the Esplanade to the new Public Square, itself open to the High Street. The Public Square will be able to support small-scale events, including pop-up stalls, workshops and small outdoor performances.

Here is a preview of the latest images of the new Public Square! Other images can be found in the Photos section...

Over the past few months Town Deal Board Member, Jenny Archer and Redcar and Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency (RCVDA) have engaged with pupils from five Redcar Primary Schools:

• Newcomen Primary School
• St. Benedict's Catholic Primary School
• Lakes Primary School
• John E. Batty Primary School
• Zetland Primary School

Pupils were given the activity of suggesting names for the brand-new Culture & Leisure Anchor Attraction currently under construction i Redcar Town Centre.

We have created a 'Whatshallwecallit?' banner featuring all the entries, which can now be seen on the Esplanade opposite the works site.

The choice of name will be inspired by the entries and unveiled later this year!

Robertson Construction have undergone several weeks of enabling works and will look to progress on the new build stage in early Autumn, starting with Piling in September. Then continuing to groundworks and erection of the steel frame towards the end of 2025.

Construction traffic will access the site from The Esplanade throughout the early and mid-stages of the project. Robertson have amended their hoarding to allow for a smooth vehicle transition for accessing and egressing the site to minimise disruption to normal traffic flow.