Plans to unlock the full potential of the once run-down and derelict banks of the River Tees were unveiled in a new strategy today.

The Tees Navigation Strategy was commissioned by a partnership made up of Stockton Borough Council, One NorthEast, English Partnerships and British Waterways.

It aims to pinpoint sites for sustainable development along the river, from the Tees Barrage to Low Worsall and will hopefully encourage new activities, regeneration and development, more access and environmental improvements.

Among its recommendations are plans to build a 45,000 seater sports arena, develop on the water sports reputation already established at the Tees Barrage and turn Stockton town centre around so it faces the river.

It is also hoped to develop angling opportunities further up the river at Preston Park and Yarm.

A cultural corner is already beginning to take shape around the Green Dragon Yard in Stockton and the strategy reveals plans to develop this.

Patrick Thornber, from British Waterways, said: "The potential of the Tees has been under realised and we want to change that. It is an underplayed attraction.

"For instance Stockton almost did not like the river and turned its back onto it. We want to turn it back to face the river.

"The strategy recommends improvements that can be carried out, but that is not to say they all will. Nothing is set in stone.

"Since the creation of the River Tees and its increased cleanliness, there still remains enormous opportunities to give the river back to the people of Teesside."

For the strategy's recommendations and plans to be carried out a wide range of funding packages are needed and the partnership will look to the government and other sectors for help.

No final figure has been put on the proposals although it is expected to be a multi-million pound investment.

Mr Thornber said: "When I talk to people in the south and mention Stockton and the River Tees they all just remember it how it was before - run-down and derelict.

"That image is changing and we want to build on that. This strategy is not pie-in-the sky it can be achieved.

"Once before people might have thought it laughable that the area could become a tourist attraction, but it can.

"We want to attract people here to visit the river, have a go at watersports, visit the towns, stay in the hotels and hopefully spend money in the area."

It is hoped that the strategy will now prompt further ideas from the community and local businesses as to what they want to see along the river.