FAQs
If there is an issue whilst the work is on site, who do I contact?
During the daytime, please contact Rediscover Redcar:
Rediscover Redcar (12 West Terrace, Redcar)
Phone 01642 444073
Email rediscover@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
For any issues out of hours, please contact the Council's CCTV team on 01642 495345.
Will all businesses be open as usual?
All businesses will be open as usual for the duration of the works.
What is happening to the market?
The majority of traders will be relocated to Queens Street, just over West Terrace, mirroring the arrangements currently on the High Street, keeping the majority of traders as close to their current location. Some stalls will be located at the ‘blue clock’ end of the High Street.
Will I be able to visit all the shops whilst the works are ongoing?
Yes, access will be always be maintained to businesses. Wayfinding signage will be put onto the hoardings to help members of the public find the shops they usually visit.
Will Dundas and Bath Street still be open?
Yes, both streets will remain open throughout the works, and will be used for deliveries to the works, mainly in the early morning.
Will wheelchair users still be able to access the High Street?
Yes, although the hoardings will create some narrower areas in front of shops, the footpath will be wide enough for wheelchair users and access is maintained at all times.
Will the entire pedestrianised part of the High Street be closed off with hoardings whilst the works are ongoing?
No, the works will be phased to ensure the disruption to the High Street is minimised. The areas being worked upon will be safely hoarded with footways available to ensure access to all shops and businesses.
Will parking or public transport be affected?
The use of Queen Street for the market will mean some disabled and general use bays will not be available on Fridays only – however, other public car parks are available within close proximity (Turner Street). Buses will not be affected by the works.
Why doesn't the Council do more to help businesses with rent and rates to support businesses on the High Street?
The Council does not have any control over the setting of rents and business rates on the High Street. Business rates are set centrally by the Government. The Council does not own properties on the High Street, so rents are set by private sector property owners.
Why is Redcar getting investment again, what about the rest of the Borough?
Significant investment is going into the wider Borough, including Guisborough, Eston and Loftus. Please visit YourVoiceMatters to find out more.
The investment in Redcar High Street is part of the Redcar Town Deal funding provided by the Government.
Why are we doing the works in the summer?
The entire project, from start to finish, will take approximately 16 months to complete. Pausing the project or taking a piecemeal approach to the works would extend the timeframe and costs, prolonging the impact.
What will happen as each Phase of works is completed?
Hoardings will be removed as each Phase is completed and returned to general use.
Will emergency vehicles be able to access the High Street?
Yes, the contractor will make available access to the High Street for emergency vehicles, including access into the areas being worked on if required.
Will anything be done to improve shopfronts and empty buildings?
The Council has provided £246k of Tees Valley Combined Authority grants for shop fronts, with 14 grants already approved and improvements underway.
Why will the work take so long?
The improvements cover a large area, and the timescales are in line with the programme you would expect for a scheme of this nature. The project includes a significant amount of groundwork to install new drainage, new lighting, paving and events infrastructure. The paving has been designed to ensure that it is robust and remains in place for many years into the future.
Will the hoardings be fixed into the ground?
No, the hoardings are moveable to allow emergency access.
What about Armed Forces Day in June?
Organisers of the Armed Forces Day have been made aware of the works. The ‘blue clock’ end of the High Street will still be available ensure the event goes ahead as planned.
How is the work being funded?
The works are being funded by the Government funded Redcar Town Deal.
Have the plans changed since they were first announced?
The main change is that that the paved areas in front of the shops are not being replaced, just the middle sections of the High Street. The colour palette for the new paved areas will complement the existing paving that is to remain and be repaired. Improvements to Dundas and Bath Street have also been removed due to costs.
Will there be artwork included within the scheme?
Yes, the middle band of blocks will be engraved with a message or poem to celebrate the history of Redcar. Further details will be released about this soon and how to get involved.
How will the new scheme help events?
New events infrastructure will be installed including power and water points. The improvements will also link into the new events space being created at the family culture and entertainment venue where the former M&S and Goodwins buildings used to be.
Who will be responsible for maintenance?
Maintenance will be the responsibility of the Council. Additional resources have been set aside for additional street cleaning.