Work is set to finally get underway this week on STACK’s new venue in Middlesbrough after several delays.
The food and drink container village - first announced in 2022 - is set to open at the undercroft of the A66 flyover, where it meets Exchange Square.
Essential works on the bridge have meant the project has been pushed back several times over the last few years - but it finally seems like an opening date is in sight as The Danieli Group confirm the venue is hoping to be complete before Christmas.
Applications are now open for anyone interested in setting up a food stall at the complex, which will use 25 shopping containers and be in place for three years.
The space will feature a central plaza with seating alongside six food stalls, three bars, and a stage for live entertainment.
STACK CEO Neill Winch confirmed last month that Middlesbrough would be the next STACK to open, following the launch of the STACK fan zone at St James' Park, in Newcastle.
The news came after several previous opening dates for the development never came to fruition - with the launch initially planned for Easter 2023 and then once again for spring 2024.
Mr Winch previously said that the shipping containers for the Middlesbrough STACK were ready to go - and were just waiting on the crucial A66 works to be completed.
STACK 'will bring thousands' to town centre
Other STACKs across the UK offer everything from artisan pizzas and bao buns to handcrafted burgers, mac and cheese, authentic Indian food and Greek specialties.
STACK’s own food brands Holy Duck and pizza emporium ZZA will be featured, and the company is now looking for a mix of North East street food providers of other cuisines.
Mr Winch said: “High-quality food is a vital part of STACK’s success and we are looking for people who can provide authentic street food from around the world.”
“And, once you’re part of the STACK family, we throw in a huge amount of support in the form of marketing and promotional activity to raise awareness of the brand and drive footfall to the units.”
Middlesbrough Mayor, Chris Cooke, added: “It’s great news that work is starting on the STACK site.”
“STACK will be a great addition to Middlesbrough and will complement the many brilliant independent businesses in our town centre.
“There’s an opportunity for local traders to get involved and put a real Middlesbrough stamp on what STACK offers.”
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Cllr Theo Furness, executive member for regeneration added: “I was really encouraged by what I saw on my visit to STACK in Seaburn and I’m confident that we can do it even better here in Middlesbrough.
“STACK’s knowledge and expertise combined with our brilliant local businesses will bring thousands of visitors to our town centre, supporting jobs and our local economy.”
Anyone interested is being asked to complete the ‘Expression of Interest’ form on the STACK Leisure website.
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