Viewing tower at centre of ambitious seafront plans

6:14pm Friday 16th May 2008

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REDCAR seafront could be transformed beyond recognition with the erection of a 100m-high viewing platform, if a newly-formed charity has its way.

The Coatham Common area has been targeted by Red Carpet Development as a prime site for an innovative leisure scheme.

Later this month, the organisation is set to unveil its radical plans for the town, which include cafes and bars as well as the eye-catching 100m-tall revolving viewing tower.

There are also plans to install a statue of former Redcar MP Dr Mo Mowlam somewhere on the site.

A public meeting will be held to showcase its ideas for the controversial site, which has been the subject of a bitter planning dispute.

John Wilkinson, a founding trustee of the charity, said: "The planned development, called Coatham Beach, will feature an iconic centrepiece in the shape of a 100m-tall revolving viewing tower which also incorporates a 'giant drop' white-knuckle ride.

"This will be the only attraction of its kind in the UK and certain to put the town once again on the tourist map."

The group is focusing on the area following a protracted legal battle between Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and local campaigners, who have tried to block a proposed £55m housing development.

The protest went as far as a judicial review in December, which overturned the council decision to approve the Persimmon Homes scheme.

Red Carpet's proposal, covering 15 acres of the area, offers indoor and outdoor attractions. Among the ideas are specialist shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, a swimming pool and a replacement for the Coatham Bowl complex.

The scheme, which has been drawn up by Project Control Associates and Sherlock Boswell Architecture, will also benefit from a new boating lake, a wildfowl and wetlands centre, 150 apartments and a new toilet block.

But Coun George Dunning, the leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, believes the organisation would benefit from speaking to the local authority about its plans.

He said: "It's a peculiar situation where this organisation is proposing all these schemes, but not talking to us about them.

"We are always here and we are happy to talk to anyone about proposals for the borough, all they have to do is get in touch and we could possibly work together."