Stockton selects Rula for 54-acre opportunity
A preferred developer has been named for the plot at Durham Lane industrial park, close to Eaglescliffe station.
The land was purchased by Stockton-on-Tees Council in 2021 with money from the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s Indigenous Growth Fund.
After a period of competitive dialogue and interviews, Rula Developments has been selected as preferred developer.
The firm is based in Doncaster and largely focuses on the industrial sector, securing a Sheffield site for a 230,000 sq ft scheme in December.
Rula will work in partnership with the council on its commitment to spend £3m of IGF grant money on infrastructure improvements to unlock the land for development.
The land is due to be taken over by Rula on a plot-by-plot basis.
Cllr Nigel Cooke, Stockton-on-Tees Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said: “This is a very exciting step for a vital employment site in our Borough – and Rula have an impressive track record with a wealth of experience and contacts, which gives a massive opportunity to attract investment.
“Eaglescliffe is already home to huge firms and employers like Tata Consumer Products Limited and Nifco. Now we’re in a really strong position to attract even more businesses when you consider the excellent transport links nearby, in particular with the redevelopment of Eaglescliffe station.
“Rula are our preferred developer as they match our high ambitions for the site and have demonstrated their ability to operate on similar sites across the country, including Cheshire, Doncaster and Oldham. Plus, this will be their flagship scheme in the North East, with no competing sites of their own in the region.
“It’s yet another demonstration of Stockton-on-Tees being the economic powerhouse of the Tees Valley and we welcome all approaches from interested parties so we can support their ambitions.”
The industrial park is already home to employers with an estimated combined 1,000 employees. Businesses in the estate include Nifco, Carroll & Meynell Transformers, Icon Plastics and Returnable Packaging Services.
Work is about to begin on the redevelopment of Eaglescliffe station, improving accessibility, parking and the overall quality of environment.