Seafront landmark to get upgrade

The building had been originally completed in 2002

A £500,000 building on a Teesside seafront, described by consultants as potentially "wholly inadequate", has been taken over by a council.

The Saltburn Foreshore building, next to the town's cliff lift, has been beset by problems from legal wrangles to water leaking into shop units.

It was built in 2002, but traders did not move in until three years later.

Redcar and Cleveland Council is now promising a three-year programme to make the building fit for purpose.

The two-storey building, which has remained open despite its many problems, also contains a fish and chip shop and public meeting rooms.

'Structural integrity'

In November last year, a maintenance report stated that the design of the structure was "wholly inadequate" and criticised the building's emergency exit provision.

It also stated a tenant had cut holes through to supporting beams holding up the first floor slab, which "may have prejudiced the structural integrity".

Redcar and Cleveland Council has now acquired the building from the Saltburn Improvement Company.

Council leader George Dunning has promised the necessary improvements will be carried out, despite the cost.

He said: "The money isn't really an issue, because if it's health and safety and it's fire regulations, then we've got to instigate them.

The council said legal considerations had prevented it from taking possession of the building previously.

Other work recommended by the report includes erecting a retaining wall to stop water from the adjoining hillside leaking through into the building.

It also noted that a hung ceiling had been installed, blocking off smoke detectors and emergency lighting, resulting in them being concealed and ineffective.