Demolition begins at Golden Eagle
Contractor MGL has started works to pull down the hotel, marking a critical milestone in the aspirations for the £24m Thornaby Town Deal.
Stockton-on-Tees Council said the start on site ends years of uncertainty about the “eyesore” building’s future. MGL Demolition, part of MGL Group, begun work yesterday.
The process will involve the removal of significant levels of asbestos and a site strip-out before work on removing the structure of the building takes place.
The demolition is set to be complete in spring 2026 and will provide a cleared site for future redevelopment, led by the town centre owner, LCP Proudreed.
Town Deal funding is supporting this work, along with an allocation from the Indigenous Growth fund, which was approved by Stockton’s cabinet in July.
Tackling long-term vacant properties in Thornaby town centre to create opportunities for new development is one of the key areas that the Town Deal Board identified as a priority for the Town Deal.
Cllr Richard Eglington, cabinet member for regeneration and housing at Stockton-on-Tees Council, said: “We are really pleased that with the support of the Thornaby Town Deal Board, the long-awaited removal of the Golden Eagle has begun to bring about positive change to the town centre.
“This is the next step towards unlocking new opportunities for Thornaby by removing a building that has been an eyesore for a number of years and a barrier for future investment.
“Given the building is situated in the middle of a busy town centre, close to businesses and residents, we are all working together to ensure it is brought down quickly and most importantly, safely.”
Projects coming under the Town Deal banner include the replacement of Phoenix House with a new swimming pool and gym, the relocation of NETA Training to a purpose-built facility, and a series of interventions in North Thornaby.
Mark Davison Jnr, head of demolition at MGL Demolition, said: “MGL Demolition is proud to support this key milestone for Thornaby as work begins to safely demolish the Golden Eagle.
“This represents a significant step forward in unlocking future opportunities and accelerating the wider regeneration of the town centre.”
