Photographs from The Gazette’s archives show Stockton has undergone a number of transformations.
One image shows Stockton Bridge which opened in 1771. However, it was later replaced by the Victoria Bridge in 1887.
Other images show familiar Stockton landmarks, including the Custom House Hotel, which was demolished in August, 1959. The Quayside Mission, a refuge for homeless men, was also demolished a while later in November, 1974.
Also in the 1970s, the plaza on Bishop Street was replaced with Oriel House office and a shopping block.
In 1983, Stockton saw a councillor’s lone fight to save the town’s only open air theatre in Ropner Park, after rescue plans were given the thumbs down.
Stockton riverside has also undergone vast changes. An image believed to be taken at the turn of the century shows the docks being kept busy as ships came along the River Tees to unload their cargo directly into the centre of the town.
As the heart of any town’s shopping district, high streets across the country are constantly adapting, providing locals and visitors with somewhere to enjoy some retail therapy.
Compared to Stockton high street today, a pre-1930 scene featuring the golden age of trams shows the area has developed vastly.
More recently, Stockton Council has been committed to the regeneration of the high street since the first phase started in September 2012 and was completed in summer 2013.
With phases still to be completed, the whole project is expected to be finished early next year.
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