Stockton Sky Trail: £1m plans approved by Stockton Council

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Ambitious plans for a new four storey £1m Sky Trail visitor attraction in Stockton have been given the green light.

The Teesside skyline is set to be dominated when the 17m-high ‘high ropes course’ is built at the Tees White Water Course.

As reported, the attraction would be the highest of its kind in the UK and it would be the only place in the country where a Sky Trail can be found alongside an Olympic standard white water course, making it a unique adventure outdoor facility.

Stockton Council’s planning committee considered the plans when it met today - but not everyone backed the scheme.

Councillor Paul Kirton, whose Stockton Town Centre ward the facility will be built in, described it as “an eyesore” and said he would be objecting against it.

“It’s right in your face all the time,” he said. “What you are building is quite good but it could go anywhere, an industrial site would be a better idea.”

Councillor Mick Stoker raised concerns about “toxic soil” on what was previously a historic land fill site.

But a report from planning officers states: “It is our understanding that waste was not deposited on the area of land proposed for this development.

“It is also considered that the wastes types deposited under the terms of the licence would not have an adverse impact on the proposed development.”

The £1m, four-storey Sky Trail attraction may look like this

Other councillors supported the Sky Trail, including Cllr Mike Clark, who said: “This will be contributing to making Stockton a destination town and help the economy and move the town forward.”

Cllr David Wilburn said: “It’s an iconic development and should not be hidden away on an industrial estate.”

And Councillor Jim Beall added: “I think you will be pleasantly surprised how it will blend in.

“It’s a great opportunity, I think its going to be a great asset.”

The attraction will be run by Tees Active, which runs leisure facilities and activities across the borough on behalf of Stockton Council.

The facility will include two zip rails and a 10m high climbing wall at one end.

It is estimated the Sky Trail would generate a projected surplus of at least £100,000 per year while also significantly increasing visitor numbers to Stockton borough.

Stockton Council’s cabinet originally approved plans for the concept in July last year “as a basis for investment”.

At the time, councillors at the meeting also said it would help improve visitor attraction to the already popular Tees Barrage International White Water rafting course which the Sky Trail would stand beside.