Castlegate Centre Demolition –
Stockton’s Changing Skyline
Castlegate Shopping Centre was a fixture of Stockton town centre for fifty years before its demolition between September 2022 and the end of 2023, clearing the way for what is now Stockton Waterfront Urban Park. The transformation was documented in full via drone, capturing a year of change across the site in a single hyperlapse, built from 58 automated flight missions tracking the centre’s gradual disappearance from above.
The Demolition Process
The demolition began in September 2022 and was completed by the end of 2023. Some of the most striking moments for me were watching the curly-wurly car park come down, the Swallow Hotel collapse to the ground, and the iconic “Heart of Stockton” sign being ripped apart. I sat on the verge many times with a coffee, timelapsing the changes as the old centre gradually disappeared.
A Piece of Stockton History
Castlegate first opened its doors in 1973 and became a busy retail hub throughout the 90s and early 2000s. Like many locals, I have fond memories of the indoor market, getting my ears pierced there as a child, having breakfast in The Galley with my mam and nana, and running over the bridge from college to Harry Meynell butchers.
Why Castlegate Was Demolished
Where to Find The Castlegate Site
Photos of Castlegate Center Demolition
Castlegate Demolition FAQ
The Vision Behind Tees Explorer
I’m Jamie Kenley, founder of Tees Vision Media.
My journey began right here, documenting interesting places and cool things to do in Teesside. Today, I use that same passion to provide professional video production, photography & Social Media for businesses across the region.
Tees Explorer is my way of giving back, using my media production skills to highlight hidden gems and prjects like Castlegate Demolition and helping more people discover what’s on our doorstep.
If you’d like to be featured, get in touch!
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