Detailed plans have been unveiled for the regeneration of Billingham town centre, with a focus on residential development.

Stockton Council is set to purchase and demolish buildings around the West Precinct as part of a new masterplan, which will go before the cabinet on Monday, June 17. The plan includes the creation of new homes and a compact shopping area.

The redevelopment, described as “residential-led” with shops in a “more compact area,” will feature 160 new residential units, 2,300 square metres of commercial space, and improved public infrastructure. The project will use £20 million from the government’s Levelling Up Fund.

James Howarth, managing director of Sterling Property Ventures, commented, “Our plan is to have a minimum of £1bn of assets under management. Acquiring a property portfolio from British Airways Pensions is a crucial stepping stone towards that target. We are seeking high-quality assets, ideally with the opportunity to add value, allowing us to bring our skills to bear. As this latest purchase demonstrates, we are sector agnostic.”

The masterplan aims to create a vibrant, modern town centre while maintaining traditional retail functions. It proposes demolishing deteriorating buildings at West Precinct, Queensway South, and the former library site to unlock development potential.

A new “Festival Square” will replace the current Town Square, with additional new floor space planned for Billingham Library and the former Wynyard House building. The masterplan also includes options for a “public sector hub.”

The council will fund business relocations and demolition costs, with a budget of £13 million for moving businesses and tearing down buildings. Additional details on property acquisition costs and public improvements are yet to be disclosed.

Following cabinet approval, the council will start negotiations to acquire West Precinct and part of the adjacent Queensway South block, working with current owner Evolve Estates. The relocation of businesses and phased demolition will follow.

Plans also include a new Billingham Sports Hub on the former Billingham Campus site, featuring three full-size artificial grass pitches, a 200m oval athletics track, an accessible active track, and a pavilion with changing facilities, a community room, café, and parking. This project will use £4 million from the Tees Valley Combined Authority and funding from the Football Foundation, aiming for a spring 2026 opening.

The council’s masterplan is based on principles from a 2020 public consultation, focusing on retail consolidation and reconfiguration, and the redevelopment of key sites for a residential-led, mixed-use project.