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Works to demolish the Golden Eagle in Thornaby are hoped to start by end of June. Council leaders were asked about the demolition of the eyesore former hotel, to be cleared for
redevelopment, as well as plans for a new swimming pool, expanded gym and leisure centre at the Pavilion Shopping Centre. The work was approved by leaders last year as part of a £43m
regeneration package - £23.9m from the government's Towns Fund and £19.5m from other funding sources including Stockton Council and LCP Proudreed, which effectively owns the town centre
on a 150-year lease - which also includes a new skills facility, cycle routes, CCTV, alley gates, property repairs and other improvements. Developing long-term vacant properties in Thornaby
town centre was one of the priorities identified by the Town Deal Board, which is made up of local stakeholders from public and private sector bodies including Thornaby councillors and MPs.
Councillor Sylvia Walmsley, a member of the board and independent councillor for Stainsby Hill, asked at a full council meeting last night (Wednesday, May 21): "Will the cabinet member
join with me in praising the progress and partnership working carried out to date by the Thornaby Town Deal Board? READ MORE: Wetherspoons 'very keen' on idea as MP pitches Golden
Eagle pub READ MORE: Council votes for call to restore first hour free parking in Yarm "Will he also give a comprehensive update regarding the programme of works, especially with
regard to demolition of the Golden Eagle and construction of the new swimming baths?" Cllr Richard Eglington, cabinet member for regeneration and housing, replied that the council
secured the leasehold interest in the Golden Eagle in October last year "after a protracted and complicated period of negotiations". He said: "Since that point a number of
checks, surveys and inspections of the building have taken place, allowing us to better inform the specifications of tender to enable the demolition of the property. "The tender process
is now closed, and tenders being assessed with a view to appoint and start on site as early as possible. This is aimed to be done by the end of June 2025. "Timescales remain an
estimate until the tender appointment process is concluded and a contract programme agreed with the successful demolition contractor. Full programme details and milestones will be shared
once agreed. "Moving on to the pool, a contractor was appointed to undertake this two-stage design and build contract for the works to the Pavilion leisure centre and construction of
the new pool. The first phase involves carrying out the final stages of detailed design throughout the summer, with a view to concluding design in August 2025 and starting on site in
September 2025. "It is anticipated that the construction phase will take circa 12 months. This is all subject to negotiations and contracts." Cllr Walmsley said: "Would the
cabinet member and deputy leader agree we must communicate better in future and keep the public fully informed, especially in regards to any underseen problems or delays encountered? It is
vital we manage public perception and counteract negative feedback or publicity." Cllr Eglington replied: "I will take some of the criticism on the chin. At times the council, the
board and members have not communicated what was happening well enough. "There has been a vacuum of information, and all vacuums get filled. We must get better at shouting about our
successes. "Since I've joined it (the Town Deal Board), I've been encouraged in the way that most of the members have worked together. "I feel that under the great
chairmanship of Mark White, members have been working to a common goal to improve the lives of our residents in the great town of Thornaby, and I'd like to thank all members and the
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