The recent completion of the £23 million Stockton Waterfront urban park, coupled with the start of the 39th Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) this weekend, has prompted a positive response from shopkeepers and arts producers across the town.
Footfall and takings rise after park opening
Traders described an immediate uptick in visitors following the park’s June opening beside the River Tees. Richard Drake, co-owner of Drake’s Bookshop, said the improved riverside access and new public space have already made a material difference to his business after a number of challenging years.
"From the week of the opening, we are up day on day. We doubled our takings last week in comparison to the same week last year."
Drake’s shop, which has traded for eleven years, was among several local businesses to report stronger trading patterns as people visit the waterfront and then explore nearby shops.
Festival arrives as regeneration completes a link
The 39th SIRF opens on Friday, bringing more than 100 performances across the weekend from a mix of local and international artists. Organisers and performers say the new park provides a setting that complements the festival experience and offers fresh reasons for residents and visitors to spend time in Stockton town centre.
Jennifer Essex, creative communities producer for The Ostentatious Ball (one of this year’s festival events), reflected on the town’s transformation since she first performed at SIRF and later moved to the area.
"It's so beautiful now... It's become what it wanted to be all along and it's just stunning."
Stockton Borough councillor Nigel Cooke, cabinet member for culture, noted a rise in numbers since the park opened and described the festival as another significant opportunity to attract visitors to the town. He highlighted the wider benefits for local enterprises as more people come into the town to use public spaces and attend events.
Local impact and what to expect this weekend
- Park completes the connection between High Street and the River Tees, offering new public space.
- SIRF runs from Friday and features over 100 performances by local and international acts.
- Traders report increased footfall and improved takings since the park opened in June.
| Project | Key fact |
|---|---|
| Stockton Waterfront urban park | £23m, opened June |
| Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) | 39th year; starts Friday; 100+ performances |
For residents and visitors, the combination of a high-profile festival and a newly completed public realm project represents a test of Stockton’s ability to convert investment into sustained economic and cultural activity. Traders featured in the town have responded positively so far, describing renewed confidence and reasons for people to return to the high street beyond event days.
As SIRF gets under way, attention will turn to whether the initial boost in footfall translates into longer-term benefits for independent shops, cafes and the town centre economy.
