New children's play area could be on its way to Teesside - bringing jobs with it

A new children’s play area could be on its way to Teesside - with the potential to create around eight jobs.

An application to convert a unit at the former Dewhirst buildings, in Redcar’s Dormanstown, into the soft play area has been submitted to Redcar and Cleveland Council.

Karen Coulson, the applicant, said in a statement that there are is limited provision of similar indoor play centers in the area - with the nearest comparable facility being the Play Factory, in Skelton, about 12km away.

There is also another at the Wacky Warehouse inside the Wheatland’s Farm pub, in Market.

The developer said the proposed play centre would be a “valuable facility” enhancing choice for children and families in Redcar and the rest of Teesside.

They also said it will generate around eight full-time jobs and contribute to the local economy.

The 984 sqmetre unit is one of five at the junction of West Coatham Lane and Limerick Road, in Dormanstown.

The buildings were formerly used as a warehouse and distribution facility, alongside a factory clothing outlet.

But following the termination of a major contract, the site has stood empty for a number of years.

It has recently been refurbished and subdivided to create five individual units, with planning permission to turn Unit 5 into a gymnastics club, granted in April 2016.