FAQs
Christmas Break and Emergency Contacts
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.
What is happening to the Samuel Plimsoll Blue Plaque?
The Samuel Plimsol Blue Plaque which was affixed to the former Marks & Spencer’s building has been safely removed and stored. The plaque will be relocated to either the new event space located on the High Street or the new Culture and Leisure Anchor Attraction building.
Is there still money for the scheme?
The funding for the project is still available and the current pause in works will not impact the construction and opening of the Anchor Attraction.
The project will improve the Redcar High Street and the Esplanade by giving people a new reason to visit these areas through creating new family entertainment facilities. The additional visitors this attracts will help to support existing local businesses and jobs in the area.
When will construction be completed?
Construction has commenced on the Anchor Attraction site, and will continue until the building and new public square is completed in March 2027.
What is happening on site now?
As of September, most of the activity on site is groundwork infrastructure and foundations.
What works have been completed so far?
The works undertaken to date have been the demolition of the former Goodwins and Marks and Spencer buildings; the remediation of retained wall structures with steel stabilisation; groundwork infrastructure and the commencement of the construction of the building frame.
Why are the works taking so long?
The demolition period was extended due to environmental planning restrictions which required a pause in demolition between the months of October 2024 to April 2025; and the need to agree with neighbouring property owners and tenants the solutions for the remediation retained wall structures which required party wall agreements and works licences. These works have now been completed allowing the main build to proceed, which will be completed by March 2027.
What is the tarmac for on the cleared site?
The contractor started laying tarmac on the levelled site week commencing 29th September. The tarmac is part of the base course for the new public square, which will be completed with block paving.