Strickland and Holt hits back at Yarm High Street revamp

Stephanie Richardson, who owns Strickland and Holt, slammed Stockton Borough Council’s bid to add new public spaces, paving and planted seating areas to the town centre. 

She argues that the work - which is due to get underway in a matter of days- is not only a blow over lost parking spaces but will demoralise businesses and waste taxpayers' money. 

The improvements, unveiled back in May, will create separate pedestrian areas with seating, planting and ‘play on the way’ activities, but faced criticism.

Fairground operator John Murphy was one of the objectors, saying the plans could “finish” the popular dodgems ride when the fair arrives each year due to the space planters will take up.

Councillor Richard Eglington, cabinet member for regeneration and housing at the council, said it was important that the town's character was "protected".

He added that there was positive support from consultations, and the scheme, once complete, will "enhance visitor experience and encourage people to spend more time there".

How Yarm High Street is set to look(Image: STOCKTON COUNCIL)

Stephanie, who is the great-niece of John Holt, the man who created Strickland and Holt in 1854 with business partner Oliver Strickland, said: “The planned works will not improve the high street and actually will be detrimental to the Georgian heritage.

“The high street is so precious with its natural beauty, historical viaduct, streetscape, cobbles, and river and could be spoiled by the works. 

“As it stands, the plan threatens to demoralise all those in business on the high street and change the visual impact of the impression town.”

‘There are so many better uses for the money’

Under the plans, nine car parking spaces will be removed to accommodate the new public spaces, which will feature seating and planters. 

Stephanie feels the most common reason residents avoid the high street is parking - and that small businesses and shops are “struggling to keep going” as a result. 

How the revamp works will look(Image: STOCKTON COUNCIL)

“A loss of any parking spaces will be a blow to all the businesses”, she explained.

“The shops, restaurants and businesses cannot succeed without the convenience car parking affords families with children and people of all ages and abilities.” 

She also believes the works, paid for as part of £20million of funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, is a waste of money. 

“It could be better spent on other ways to improve the town for residents and businesses”, she argued. “What could £20 million be spent on to improve the lives of everyone in the town? 

“A foot and cycle bridge over the river to improve the pedestrian and bicycle link between Yarm, Egglescliffe and Eaglescliffe; a picnic area by the river; fishing platforms and seating along the river bank; a swimming pool for the communities. 

“[There are] so many better uses for the money can be found to improve the health and welfare of all of us.” 

Stephanie is now calling for the works to be called off.

Revamp will ‘enhance attractiveness and accessibility’ of Yarm

Six improvement areas have been identified for the work. 

They include the northern gateway (Yarm Bridge end), the northern and southern bus stops (outside The Ketton Ox and Bang and Olufsen), the Silver Street and Town Hall crossing, the central area, and the southern gateway near Yarm School. 

Strickland and Holt on Yarm High Street(Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

The improvements will also include references to points of historical interest to “enhance visitor experience”.

The council said the scheme reflects the findings of two public consultations in 2022, which showed a desire to improve footpaths and seating. Improvements were then made to make the planter material "more subtle and refined".

Footpath improvements have already been made along the River Tees, and upgrades to the Snaith’s Field playground are nearly finished. 

The remainder of the scheme will be delivered in phases and will take approximately nine months to complete, with the first starting on October 20.

The council will be engaging with residents and businesses to explain how the project will be phased, with sessions taking place in Yarm Library every Thursday between 10am and 2pm.

Here is when every phase is due to start:

• Northern Gateway - starting October 20 for four weeks. 
• Northern bus stop (outside Bang and Olufsen) - Starting October 20 for three weeks.
• Northern bus stop (outside The Ketton Ox) - Starting November 5 for four weeks.
• Silver Street crossing (outside Sainsbury’s) - Starting January 2026 for five weeks.
• Yarm Town Hall crossing point - Starting February 2026 for six weeks
• Central area (From The Black Bull to Osbournes) - Starting April 2026 for seven weeks.
• Southern Gateway (Yarm School end) - Starting May 2026 for nine weeks.

A full statement from Cllr Eglington said: “It’s important that a town like Yarm’s character is protected, and through ongoing conversations with businesses about the High Street improvements, many see the benefit of this attractive design and increased outdoor seating. 

“All materials used in the scheme are also sympathetic to the High Street’s historic setting and the Conservation Area. 

“The Council undertook two public consultations for improvements to Yarm High Street and refined the scheme to reflect feedback.

"Overall, there was positive support for the scheme and we carefully considered concerns raised in respect of parking, with a loss of nine spaces out of 324 on the High Street.

"There are also a further 136 in surrounding long stay car parks and a key part of the scheme is also to improve access to public transport in the town. 

“The Levelling Up Funding was agreed on the basis of this scheme and once complete, the improvements will enhance visitor experience on the High Street and encourage people to spend more time there, benefiting local businesses and the wider community.”