A potential tenant is in “advanced negotiations” for part of the former Debenhams building on Stockton High Street.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Stockton Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and housing, gave an update on the major building at a full council meeting on Wednesday night (November 20). He said: “I can inform council tonight that the council is in advanced negotiations with a potential tenant for the rear portion of the ground floor of the building, with the exact nature and specification of the works to enable reuse of the space being assessed as part of the process.”

He said a survey had revealed historic water leaks in the building, which the council bought late last year before developing a 25-year blueprint for regenerating central Stockton and north Thornaby. But he said no significant repair works were planned at the moment.

Independent member Cllr Ted Strike, who represents Ingleby Barwick East, had put a question to the council: “SBC purchased Debenhams without having a survey carried out. Has a survey been carried out since the purchase, and if so, did it show any significant work that needs carrying out?

“If so, how much? If a survey hasn’t been carried out, will one be carried out in the foreseeable future?”

Cllr Cooke replied: “Thank you Cllr Strike for your question on one of Stockton’s best known and much loved buildings. The High Street portion of the former Debenhams store, 150-152 High Street, was made available for acquisition through auction in 2023 with a limited information pack by the seller at that time.

“Whilst the building was acquired outside of the auction process, the timescales involved in securing the building and approach taken by the seller meant that there wasn’t the opportunity to undertake any surveys of the building prior to acquisition beyond the information offered by the seller at the time.

“Control of the front portion of the building was critical for any occupation and indeed safe access to the rear portion. Since acquisition the council has undertaken measured surveys of the entire building, mechanical surveys and electrical surveys and an asbestos survey.

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​“Surveys have revealed that there are some historic areas of water ingress that will need to be addressed, with suitable options for mitigation and repair being assessed. The nature of any future work to the building depend on the future use, and as such there are no significant works identified to be undertaken at this stage.”

Cllr Strike asked about the cost of the survey and whether it was done by an independent surveyor. Cllr Cooke replied he did not have the costs to hand.

He added: “I can’t verify who exactly did the survey but I am assured, and I think it was the proper and reasonable decision we took to acquire that key asset in the town, that the surveys that have been carried out have been undertaken in a proper and robust manner.”