Enterprising Future for Eyesore Site

8 May 2008

A derelict site on Redcar seafront will be transformed after it was purchased on behalf of the Redcar & Cleveland Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) using its capital funds, with assistance from the Regeneration Services team at Redcar & Cleveland Council.

The former Leo’s night club, a well known landmark on The Esplanade, has been empty for two years and there has been widespread public support for its demolition or restoration. It will now disappear within weeks after a grant was secured by Redcar & Cleveland Council from One NorthEast to clear and secure the site.

“We’re very pleased to have secured this site, which is a prominent building in the heart of Redcar’s best known thoroughfare,” said Kath Taylor, Chair of the LEGI board, which oversees the LEGI programme and its related funding. “The first benefit will be the removal of an eyesore that has blighted the town centre. We will also be putting plans in place to re-use this site for new business purposes as we bid to foster a spirit of enterprise and entrepreneurship in the Borough.”

The purchase fits well with the stated aims of the LEGI programme as the removal of the building will improve the visitor experience for the 1.2 million tourist who visit Redcar every year. In the future, once plans for its redevelopment are confirmed, it also offers the prospect for new business development and local enterprise.

“All assets relating to the LEGI programme are currently held by the Council, so we have worked closely with Redcar & Cleveland Partnership to secure this deal, which provides a real boost to the town centre,” said Cllr Mark Hannon, Cabinet Member for Economic Development on Redcar & Cleveland Council. “The future use of the site will be considered as part of wider review of future development in Redcar, which includes extensive public consultation.”

Once demolition is complete, approximately one third of the building will be left in place as it forms part of the town’s sea defences. This will be screened with hoarding until a decision is finalised on the future use of the site.

“This is the first major purchase made from the £10.9 million LEGI fund and it ticks all the boxes, enhancing tourism and the local economy,” says Cllr George Dunning, Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Council. “We will be working closely with local people and community groups to ensure that the best use is made of this landmark site.