The Lookout - A New Culture and Leisure Attraction
The Lookout, located on the site of the former Marks & Spencer building, will introduce new family activities, cultural spaces, and food and drink into the heart of Redcar—alongside the creation of an attractive new public space. This landmark project will draw people into the town centre year‑round. By increasing footfall and providing high‑quality indoor attractions, it will strengthen Redcar’s visitor economy and support surrounding shops, cafés and local businesses.
The building will include a modern library, a flexible family‑entertainment zone, and a vibrant food and drink offer. While the exact mix will be determined by the future operator, the venue is designed to accommodate innovative activities such as Augmented reality (AR)-enhanced digital darts, AR enhanced shuffleboard, and other interactive experiences. A lively events programme will help establish The Lookout as a key destination along the High Street and Esplanade.
If you’re interested in taking space or becoming an operator, please contact: JHowe@savills.com

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The Lookout, located on the site of the former Marks & Spencer building, will introduce new family activities, cultural spaces, and food and drink into the heart of Redcar—alongside the creation of an attractive new public space. This landmark project will draw people into the town centre year‑round. By increasing footfall and providing high‑quality indoor attractions, it will strengthen Redcar’s visitor economy and support surrounding shops, cafés and local businesses.
The building will include a modern library, a flexible family‑entertainment zone, and a vibrant food and drink offer. While the exact mix will be determined by the future operator, the venue is designed to accommodate innovative activities such as Augmented reality (AR)-enhanced digital darts, AR enhanced shuffleboard, and other interactive experiences. A lively events programme will help establish The Lookout as a key destination along the High Street and Esplanade.
If you’re interested in taking space or becoming an operator, please contact: JHowe@savills.com

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Next Milestone Reached for The Lookout as Commercial Space Marketed
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📢 You may spot information online this week about commercial opportunities at The Lookout, the new culture and leisure attraction being developed on Redcar seafront.
As the project progresses, the commercial units within the building are now being marketed to potential operators. This is an exciting milestone for the development and part of the next step in bringing The Lookout to life. Anyone interested in finding out more can contact Josh Howe at Savills by emailing: JHowe@savills.com
Funded through the Redcar Town Deal, The Lookout is being developed on the former Marks & Spencer and Yorkshire Trading sites. The building will include a modern library and is proposed to also feature a flexible family entertainment zone alongside food and drink offers.
We're also keen to remind residents that businesses on the Esplanade remain open as usual during the works, and we encourage everyone to continue supporting local shops, cafés and businesses.
Councillor Lynn Pallister MBE, Cabinet Member for Growth and Enterprise, said: "It's an exciting time to be inviting interest from potential operators as we take another step forward with The Lookout. We'd like to thank residents and businesses for their patience while work continues. The Esplanade remains open for business, and we would encourage people to continue supporting local traders. Once complete, The Lookout will be a fantastic asset for Redcar, creating a destination for residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come."
📢 You may spot information online this week about commercial opportunities at The Lookout, the new culture and leisure attraction being developed on Redcar seafront.
As the project progresses, the commercial units within the building are now being marketed to potential operators. This is an exciting milestone for the development and part of the next step in bringing The Lookout to life. Anyone interested in finding out more can contact Josh Howe at Savills by emailing: JHowe@savills.com
Funded through the Redcar Town Deal, The Lookout is being developed on the former Marks & Spencer and Yorkshire Trading sites. The building will include a modern library and is proposed to also feature a flexible family entertainment zone alongside food and drink offers.
We're also keen to remind residents that businesses on the Esplanade remain open as usual during the works, and we encourage everyone to continue supporting local shops, cafés and businesses.
Councillor Lynn Pallister MBE, Cabinet Member for Growth and Enterprise, said: "It's an exciting time to be inviting interest from potential operators as we take another step forward with The Lookout. We'd like to thank residents and businesses for their patience while work continues. The Esplanade remains open for business, and we would encourage people to continue supporting local traders. Once complete, The Lookout will be a fantastic asset for Redcar, creating a destination for residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come."
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Businesses on Redcar Esplanade remain open during Lookout utility works
Share Businesses on Redcar Esplanade remain open during Lookout utility works on Facebook Share Businesses on Redcar Esplanade remain open during Lookout utility works on X (formerly Twitter) Share Businesses on Redcar Esplanade remain open during Lookout utility works on Linkedin Email Businesses on Redcar Esplanade remain open during Lookout utility works linkFrom Tuesday 1 September, Northern Powergrid will be carrying out essential works to connect power to The Lookout, Redcar's exciting new town centre destination.
The work will involve digging a trench in the parking bays at the side of the Esplanade. The trench will run in the bays from Russell's Traditional Fish & Chips to Pacitto's.
The pavement alongside the works will remain open to pedestrians and all businesses will remain open and be fully accessible throughout the works.
The works are expected to last for up to two weeks and have been scheduled outside of the school holidays to minimise disruption.
Councillor Lynn Pallister MBE, Cabinet Member for Growth and Enterprise, said: "If you're planning a trip to the coast over the next couple of weeks, please continue to support the fantastic businesses along the Esplanade, including Russell's Traditional Fish & Chips, Pacitto's and all the shops in between. They will all remain open and fully accessible, and your support means a great deal to our local traders.
"These works are an important step in delivering The Lookout, a major new attraction that will bring new family activities, a modern library, food and drink, events and entertainment into the heart of Redcar. In the longer term, it will help attract more visitors throughout the year and create new opportunities for local businesses."
We would like to thank residents, visitors and businesses for their patience and understanding while these essential works are carried out.
From Tuesday 1 September, Northern Powergrid will be carrying out essential works to connect power to The Lookout, Redcar's exciting new town centre destination.
The work will involve digging a trench in the parking bays at the side of the Esplanade. The trench will run in the bays from Russell's Traditional Fish & Chips to Pacitto's.
The pavement alongside the works will remain open to pedestrians and all businesses will remain open and be fully accessible throughout the works.
The works are expected to last for up to two weeks and have been scheduled outside of the school holidays to minimise disruption.
Councillor Lynn Pallister MBE, Cabinet Member for Growth and Enterprise, said: "If you're planning a trip to the coast over the next couple of weeks, please continue to support the fantastic businesses along the Esplanade, including Russell's Traditional Fish & Chips, Pacitto's and all the shops in between. They will all remain open and fully accessible, and your support means a great deal to our local traders.
"These works are an important step in delivering The Lookout, a major new attraction that will bring new family activities, a modern library, food and drink, events and entertainment into the heart of Redcar. In the longer term, it will help attract more visitors throughout the year and create new opportunities for local businesses."
We would like to thank residents, visitors and businesses for their patience and understanding while these essential works are carried out.
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Time capsule buried by Redcar pupils at The Lookout
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📬⏳ A special moment for the future of Redcar... and a reminder that Redcar town centre is open for business today!
Pupils from Lakes Primary School and Wilton Primary Academy have buried a time capsule at the site of The Lookout, the exciting new development taking shape in the heart of Redcar.
Inside the capsule are letters and pieces of writing from the children, including messages to their future selves. Imagine opening those in years to come! 💭✨
Pictured are Harry, Aria, Katie and Lillian, who helped mark the occasion before heading to Pacittos for a well-earned ice cream. 🍦
The visit was also a great reminder that while work continues on The Lookout, Redcar town centre remains open, with shops, cafés, restaurants and businesses ready to welcome customers.
The Lookout is a major new destination for Redcar, funded by the Redcar Town Deal and delivered by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council.
🌟 What's coming?
📚 A modern new library
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly activities
☕ Food and drink offers
🏙️ A welcoming space designed to bring people into the town centre all year roundCatherine Clennett, Chair of the Redcar Town Deal Board, said: "This was a lovely opportunity for local children to become part of the story of The Lookout. The messages they've placed inside the time capsule will give future generations a glimpse into what life was like in Redcar today. The Lookout is all about creating opportunities, learning and experiences for local people, so it's fitting that young people have played such an important role in this milestone. It was also fantastic to see the children spending time in the town centre and supporting local businesses."
Cllr Alec Brown, Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: "It's fantastic to see local schoolchildren helping mark this exciting stage in the development of The Lookout. Burying a time capsule is a great way of connecting the town's future with its present, and I hope the children will look back proudly knowing they've contributed to a project that will benefit Redcar for years to come."
"While construction is progressing well, Redcar town centre remains open and bustling. I'd encourage residents and visitors to continue shopping locally and supporting our businesses."
The Lookout is one of several projects delivered through the Redcar Town Deal programme, which was developed following extensive public consultation and aims to support the regeneration of the town centre and seafront.
Once complete, The Lookout will feature a modern library, digital technology and learning spaces, family-friendly attractions, food and drink offers, and flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for events and activities throughout the year.
📬⏳ A special moment for the future of Redcar... and a reminder that Redcar town centre is open for business today!
Pupils from Lakes Primary School and Wilton Primary Academy have buried a time capsule at the site of The Lookout, the exciting new development taking shape in the heart of Redcar.
Inside the capsule are letters and pieces of writing from the children, including messages to their future selves. Imagine opening those in years to come! 💭✨
Pictured are Harry, Aria, Katie and Lillian, who helped mark the occasion before heading to Pacittos for a well-earned ice cream. 🍦
The visit was also a great reminder that while work continues on The Lookout, Redcar town centre remains open, with shops, cafés, restaurants and businesses ready to welcome customers.
The Lookout is a major new destination for Redcar, funded by the Redcar Town Deal and delivered by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council.
🌟 What's coming?
📚 A modern new library
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly activities
☕ Food and drink offers
🏙️ A welcoming space designed to bring people into the town centre all year roundCatherine Clennett, Chair of the Redcar Town Deal Board, said: "This was a lovely opportunity for local children to become part of the story of The Lookout. The messages they've placed inside the time capsule will give future generations a glimpse into what life was like in Redcar today. The Lookout is all about creating opportunities, learning and experiences for local people, so it's fitting that young people have played such an important role in this milestone. It was also fantastic to see the children spending time in the town centre and supporting local businesses."
Cllr Alec Brown, Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: "It's fantastic to see local schoolchildren helping mark this exciting stage in the development of The Lookout. Burying a time capsule is a great way of connecting the town's future with its present, and I hope the children will look back proudly knowing they've contributed to a project that will benefit Redcar for years to come."
"While construction is progressing well, Redcar town centre remains open and bustling. I'd encourage residents and visitors to continue shopping locally and supporting our businesses."
The Lookout is one of several projects delivered through the Redcar Town Deal programme, which was developed following extensive public consultation and aims to support the regeneration of the town centre and seafront.
Once complete, The Lookout will feature a modern library, digital technology and learning spaces, family-friendly attractions, food and drink offers, and flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for events and activities throughout the year.
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Pacitto's- Legendary Lemon Tops Still Being Served on the Esplanade
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With regard to recent social media posts, the contractor for the Lookout has no plans to close the Pacitto’s trading window on the Esplanade as part of their works. The window continues to remain open as usual, as it has throughout the works. We know Pacitto’s is well loved across the region and recently won a national award for its legendary lemon top. We recognise the importance of summer trading and would never ask them to close during this period.
With regard to recent social media posts, the contractor for the Lookout has no plans to close the Pacitto’s trading window on the Esplanade as part of their works. The window continues to remain open as usual, as it has throughout the works. We know Pacitto’s is well loved across the region and recently won a national award for its legendary lemon top. We recognise the importance of summer trading and would never ask them to close during this period. -
Transformation of the Esplanade
Share Transformation of the Esplanade on Facebook Share Transformation of the Esplanade on X (formerly Twitter) Share Transformation of the Esplanade on Linkedin Email Transformation of the Esplanade linkYou can really see the difference along the Esplanade now.
A fantastic transformation that’s making the Esplanade somewhere people want to spend time again 🙌
Former derelict M&S and Goodwins buildings
The Lookout- June 2026 You can really see the difference along the Esplanade now.
A fantastic transformation that’s making the Esplanade somewhere people want to spend time again 🙌
Former derelict M&S and Goodwins buildings
The Lookout- June 2026 -
The Lookout - May 2026 Update
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It's all coming together at The Lookout!
Redcar Town Deal Board Deal Board Members visited site to see for themselves the progress on this exciting new space for culture, leisure and coastline views.
It’s fantastic to see such progress being made. It’s on track for March 2027 completion.
To see the latest images, have a look at the Photos section of this webpage...
It's all coming together at The Lookout!
Redcar Town Deal Board Deal Board Members visited site to see for themselves the progress on this exciting new space for culture, leisure and coastline views.
It’s fantastic to see such progress being made. It’s on track for March 2027 completion.
To see the latest images, have a look at the Photos section of this webpage...
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Latest Progress on The Lookout and High Street Revealed
Share Latest Progress on The Lookout and High Street Revealed on Facebook Share Latest Progress on The Lookout and High Street Revealed on X (formerly Twitter) Share Latest Progress on The Lookout and High Street Revealed on Linkedin Email Latest Progress on The Lookout and High Street Revealed linkWork on site is moving forward at pace. The steel frame is continuing to rise, defining the structure of the new landmark building, while the installation of the concrete floors is now well underway. These milestones mark another major step toward completing this key development and bringing new life to the area.
🎥 Watch the update:
Work on site is moving forward at pace. The steel frame is continuing to rise, defining the structure of the new landmark building, while the installation of the concrete floors is now well underway. These milestones mark another major step toward completing this key development and bringing new life to the area.
🎥 Watch the update:
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A room with a view...
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The new Library will be situated on the top floor of The Lookout, offering impressive views across the beach and surrounding coastline.
🏗️ Construction Progress:
Construction continues to advance steadily, with ongoing development of the steel frame alongside the installation of the concrete floors. This marks another significant step toward the completion of this landmark space.📸 To view the latest images documenting progress on-site, please visit the Photos section of our webpages.
The new Library will be situated on the top floor of The Lookout, offering impressive views across the beach and surrounding coastline.
🏗️ Construction Progress:
Construction continues to advance steadily, with ongoing development of the steel frame alongside the installation of the concrete floors. This marks another significant step toward the completion of this landmark space.📸 To view the latest images documenting progress on-site, please visit the Photos section of our webpages.
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Christmas Break and Emergency Contacts
Share Christmas Break and Emergency Contacts on Facebook Share Christmas Break and Emergency Contacts on X (formerly Twitter) Share Christmas Break and Emergency Contacts on Linkedin Email Christmas Break and Emergency Contacts linkWork 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.
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.
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Exciting progress at The Lookout!
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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!
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!
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Click here to play video
The Lookout Update- August 2026
Catherine Clennett, Chair of the Redcar Town Deal Board, provides an update on the construction progress of The Lookout.
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Click here to play video
Construction Progress February 2026
A video showing the latest developments on The Lookout and the High Street.
It’s great to see how far things have come — from construction milestones to visible improvements across the area. Check out the video to see the transformation taking shape!
More updates coming soon 👀
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Click here to play video Construction Timelapse A video to show the draft construction plan for the Culture and Leisure Anchor Attraction. *Please note that the colours of the building are not representative of the final design.
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Click here to play video
Demolition Update- 23rd May 2024
Stella Hall from the Redcar Town Deal Board provides an update on the demolition of the former M&S and Goodwins buildings.
- Have you got an operator?
- Who do I contact if I am interested in renting space?
- When will marketing of the building start?
- What type of uses will there be in the new building?
- What is happening to the library in Redcar and Cleveland House?
- Why are you developing The Lookout Building?
- When will the building open?
- Why is the library moving to The Lookout?
- Will there be parking and accessible parking at the new building?
- Where can I see the plans for the building?
- What is happening to the Samuel Plimsoll Blue Plaque?
- What is happening on site now?
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Planning Application Submitted
The Lookout - A New Culture and Leisure Attraction has finished this stage16th November 2022
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Planning Consultation Closes
The Lookout - A New Culture and Leisure Attraction has finished this stage16th December 2022
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Planning Permission Approved
The Lookout - A New Culture and Leisure Attraction has finished this stage2nd February 2023
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Procurement of Contractor
The Lookout - A New Culture and Leisure Attraction has finished this stage -
Asbestos Removal: M&S and Goodwins buildings
The Lookout - A New Culture and Leisure Attraction has finished this stageAugust 2023
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Demolition of M&S and Goodwins buildings
The Lookout - A New Culture and Leisure Attraction has finished this stageMay 2024 - August 2024
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Post-demolition Site Investigation, Planning, Design and Legal Agreements
The Lookout - A New Culture and Leisure Attraction has finished this stageSeptember 2024 - Early 2025
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Enabling Works
The Lookout - A New Culture and Leisure Attraction has finished this stageMay 2025
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Construction Begins on Site
The Lookout - A New Culture and Leisure Attraction is currently at this stageSeptember 2025
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Construction Works Complete
this is an upcoming stage for The Lookout - A New Culture and Leisure AttractionMarch 2027
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Formal Opening of The Lookout
this is an upcoming stage for The Lookout - A New Culture and Leisure AttractionSpring 2027- Subject to operator fit out.
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Phone 01642 444073 Email rediscover@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk -
Project Management
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