Plans for town hall, Debenhams site and small businesses are aired at meeting

LEADERS have assured councillors they will be consulted on plans to revitalise a town hall following one member's plea to "think again".

- By GARETH LIGHTFOOT Local democracy reporter

The former Debenhams site on Stockton High Street

Stockton Council's cabinet heard of plans for the old Debenhams building on the town's High Street, where bosses have had to "think of other options" after previous discussions with a potential tenant were not progressed. The meeting also heard of proposals to make more space for small businesses.

Regeneration director Tracey Carter said they would use important council assets to deliver a blueprint for central Stockton and north Thornaby, which was agreed last year.

She said: "This affirms the next steps of the council's ambitious place-making ambitions agreed at July cabinet to ensure that Stockton-on-Tees is a place of choice for people to live, work and visit.

"The transformation of existing council assets would drive growth and make Stockton town centre a more attractive place to visit by redeveloping the historic town hall, bringing the former Debenhams building back into use and creating more space to support smaller local businesses.

"The proposals seek to bring the town hall back into use for the delivery of a range of council services, to enable community use and to create a strong civic presence right in the heart of Stockton."