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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Goodwins building in Redcar purchased to deliver Anchor attraction and events space
Share Goodwins building in Redcar purchased to deliver Anchor attraction and events space on Facebook Share Goodwins building in Redcar purchased to deliver Anchor attraction and events space on Twitter Share Goodwins building in Redcar purchased to deliver Anchor attraction and events space on Linkedin Email Goodwins building in Redcar purchased to deliver Anchor attraction and events space linkREDCAR’S Town Deal has taken a step forward by completing the purchase of the Goodwins building in the town, which took place yesterday (Monday 16 January).
The purchase signifies another milestone for a key project to transform a part of Redcar’s high street and Esplanade into a brand-new family attraction, known as the Culture and Leisure Anchor Attraction. Part of the site will also be transformed into a new outdoor events space.
The cost of the building will be met by the Redcar Town Deal fund – a £25million pot of money granted by the Government.
The board for the fund is led by a group of industry experts, business leaders, and community representatives, who have volunteered to support the regeneration of Redcar. Alongside Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, they have helped develop large-scale regeneration plans on how to make Redcar a vibrant, sustainable town.
Subject to planning consent, the Goodwins building will be demolished along with the former M&S building, and the construction of the new attraction will begin in mid-2023. Goodwins will relocate to the former B&M building in the town.
New additional indoor cultural and leisure activities/events will be on offer which will help Redcar become a year‐round destination; creating a more vibrant and attractive Esplanade and enhancing the town's leisure offer for both locals and tourists.
Darren Winter, Chair of Redcar Town Board, said: “We are delighted the purchase of the building has now been completed. The Culture and Leisure Anchor Attraction is a focal point of the Redcar Town Deal, designed to support the wider regeneration of Redcar’s High Street that we know residents, businesses, and visitors want now and in the future.
“We are also pleased that Goodwins will remain in the town, which is set to open in the former B&M building.”
Cllr Chris Gallacher, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at the council, said: “This exciting project is another step closer and if planning permission is granted, the development will offer activities for people from a whole range of ages – especially families – all year round. The attraction will also better connect the High Street with the seafront and open up the town.
“Working in partnership with the Redcar Town Deal Board, we have the opportunity to deliver a number of projects to boost the tourism and economic opportunities for Redcar and the wider borough.”
REDCAR’S Town Deal has taken a step forward by completing the purchase of the Goodwins building in the town, which took place yesterday (Monday 16 January).
The purchase signifies another milestone for a key project to transform a part of Redcar’s high street and Esplanade into a brand-new family attraction, known as the Culture and Leisure Anchor Attraction. Part of the site will also be transformed into a new outdoor events space.
The cost of the building will be met by the Redcar Town Deal fund – a £25million pot of money granted by the Government.
The board for the fund is led by a group of industry experts, business leaders, and community representatives, who have volunteered to support the regeneration of Redcar. Alongside Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, they have helped develop large-scale regeneration plans on how to make Redcar a vibrant, sustainable town.
Subject to planning consent, the Goodwins building will be demolished along with the former M&S building, and the construction of the new attraction will begin in mid-2023. Goodwins will relocate to the former B&M building in the town.
New additional indoor cultural and leisure activities/events will be on offer which will help Redcar become a year‐round destination; creating a more vibrant and attractive Esplanade and enhancing the town's leisure offer for both locals and tourists.
Darren Winter, Chair of Redcar Town Board, said: “We are delighted the purchase of the building has now been completed. The Culture and Leisure Anchor Attraction is a focal point of the Redcar Town Deal, designed to support the wider regeneration of Redcar’s High Street that we know residents, businesses, and visitors want now and in the future.
“We are also pleased that Goodwins will remain in the town, which is set to open in the former B&M building.”
Cllr Chris Gallacher, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at the council, said: “This exciting project is another step closer and if planning permission is granted, the development will offer activities for people from a whole range of ages – especially families – all year round. The attraction will also better connect the High Street with the seafront and open up the town.
“Working in partnership with the Redcar Town Deal Board, we have the opportunity to deliver a number of projects to boost the tourism and economic opportunities for Redcar and the wider borough.”
Videos
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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.
Photos
Important Links
FAQs
- 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?
Lifecycle
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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 Culture and Leisure Anchor Attraction
this is an upcoming stage for The Lookout - A New Culture and Leisure AttractionApril 2027
Who's Listening
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Phone 01642 444073 Email rediscover@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk -
Project Management
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