Regeneration plans reach 'milestone' with demolition

A Teesside town centre is entering a new chapter as demolition begins on a long-standing “eyesore” and a £14 million leisure facility rises nearby.

Demolition of Thornaby’s six-storey Golden Eagle building has begun, ending years of uncertainty over a site described as an eyesore on the town’s landscape.

Contractor MGL Demolition is initially using small excavators to remove the roof and upper floors behind scaffolding, before larger machinery tackles the remaining structure.

The work follows a complex asbestos removal and strip-out programme and is expected to be completed this autumn.

Mark Davison Jr, head of demolition at MGL Demolition, said: “MGL Demolition are pleased to have completed this complex part of the project, with the team working tirelessly to remove around 470 tonnes of asbestos from the Golden Eagle.

“Our attention now turns to the safe demolition of the building. 

“We are proud to support this key milestone for Thornaby.”

Meanwhile, construction is progressing on a new two-storey leisure facility connected to Thornaby Pavilion, with its steel structure now in place.

Partners joined contractor Galliford Try to mark the milestone by signing a steel beam before it was sealed into the building.

Set to open in summer 2027, the facility will include a five-lane swimming pool, sauna, gym and changing facilities, alongside a new 46-space car park and public realm improvements.

It will be operated by Tees Active, providing additional learn-to-swim opportunities and supporting school swimming partnerships.

Councillor Lisa Evans, leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, added: “Today marks an important milestone for Thornaby as the removal of the Golden Eagle building begins.

“The Golden Eagle has become an eyesore in the town, but I know it also holds many memories for residents. 

“The work underway will help unlock future opportunities for the site and contribute to our long-term vision for Thornaby.

“And while one building is cleared, it’s fantastic to see the progress of the nearby leisure centre. 

“It will play a central role in the wider regeneration of the town centre, providing modern leisure facilities and increasing footfall.”

Both projects form part of the £23.9 million Thornaby Town Deal, which aims to regenerate vacant sites and unlock new development opportunities.

The leisure centre is being built on the former Phoenix House site, itself previously vacant before being acquired and cleared using Town Deal funding.

Measures including dust suppression, noise monitoring and managed vehicle movements are being used to minimise disruption during the Golden Eagle demolition.

Mark White CBE DL, chair of Thornaby Town Deal Board, added: “The demolition of the Golden Eagle marks a significant milestone in the Town Deal Board’s vision to deliver meaningful and positive change for Thornaby. 

“I am delighted to join fellow board members in celebrating both the demolition and marking the steel structure of the leisure centre. 

“They are huge achievements for Thornaby-on-Tees.

“I would also like to thank everyone involved for their dedication, commitment and hard work to turn our shared ambitions for Thornaby into reality.”

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