Shopping centre is thriving despite new rival complex

When the Wellington Square complex opened in October it was criticised for taking business away from the High Street and Castlegate Centre.

Critics said the £43m development, hailed as the catalyst to revitalise Stockton town centre, left part of the town centre littered with boarded-up shops and "to let" signs.

But bosses at the nearby Castlegate Centre, off the High Street, say they now welcome the new shopping centre, saying it helps attract new business to the town.

Centre manager John Clift said he was never worried by the threat posed by the rival complex. He said: "I don't think Wellington Square has had any negative impact on us at all.

"Of course, initially WH Smith and Dixons left us to become part of the development, but we have already filled those units.

"We wish it was more successful if anything because that would be good for Stockton generally.

"If I had one criticism of Wellington Square, it is that it should bring some new businesses into the town instead of relocating ones that are already here."

In recent weeks two stores have moved into Castlegate. They are the German shoe shop chain Deichmanns and Walmsley furniture store.

Wellington Square, which stands just behind the High Street, close to the Arc, has had its own problems with many units left unoccupied and shoppers slipping on its icy walkways during the winter months.

But a spokesman for the complex pointed out that the units are rapidly getting filled and most of those already occupied are taken by firms without a prior foothold in Stockton.

He said only five stores were relocated from existing sites in Stockton. He added: "There are spaces for another 20 units, with 27 already taken, and of these, three are in our solicitor's hands and four more are under negotiation.

"Also, the interest created in the town since Wellington Square opened has seen levels of vacant units in the town come down to the 1979 level".