The STACK boss has confirmed which of the food and drink venues proposed North East destinations will be next to open. 

Neill Winch, the CEO of the successful shipping container village venture, said that developing the Middlesbrough site, on Exchange Square underneath the A66 flyover, is next on their list. 

It comes as the STACK fan zone at St James', in Newcastle, opens their doors to the public for the first time. 

Initially, the Exchange Square site was due to open around Easter 2023, after bring announced late 2022. 

The STACK Middlesbrough location in January.The STACK Middlesbrough location in January. (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

But the project's timeline had to be adjusted after nearby works on the A66 flyover, pushing the estimated opening date back to early 2024, and then again to spring 2024. 

Speaking to The Northern Echo at the St James' fan zone opening, Neill said: "Today's not about those other venues in the North East, today is about the fan zone here.

"We're working through a program - all I can tell you is that the next one is Middlesbrough."

When it does open, STACK Middlesbrough will be made up of 25 shipping containers, with a proposed six street food vendors, three different bars, and live entertainment. 

The STACK Middlesbrough location in January. The STACK Middlesbrough location in January. (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

Last year, the company confirmed that the majority of containers which will be at the heart of the development all fitted out and ready to be moved on to site.

Recommended reading: 

Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device by subscribing to The Northern Echo here. 

Neill did not give any detail about promised STACK developments in Durham, Bishop Auckland, or Whitley Bay. 

Last month, Durham's MP Mary Kelly Foy wrote to the company, asking them to "urgently address the situation on Silver Street", as the "image of a huge, boarded up, former Marks and Spencer's store" ends up "etched" onto visitors' memories.

In response, the STACK team said they will work with Durham BID to spruce up the disused shop front whilst development plans progress.