Stockton’s Conservative MP Matt Vickers has welcomed a senior boss from one of Britain’s best loved pub chains to pitch the potential for a new Wetherspoons in Thornaby on the site of the soon to be demolished Golden Eagle Hotel.
MP Matt Vickers has led the campaign to see the building knocked down for years, and in 2021 was successful in securing Town Deal cash from the previous Conservative Government to do just that.
Matt was joined at the visit by Simon Barratt, Senior Wetherspoon Acquisitions Manager to showcase the potential of the site, alongside Mark Horsfield who manages Thornaby Town Centre. Matt and Mark promoted how Thornaby is being transformed thanks to Town Deal cash, including through a new swimming pool and gym in the town centre, the relocation of NETA Training to provide young people with the skills they need to thrive, alongside improvements to Victoria Park and community Centre, and investment in Safer Streets.
The disused site has been a long-running saga, and Matt has previously slammed the Labour-run Council for its never ending dither and delay in demolishing the Golden Eagle. The site is now so dangerous and dilapidated that Cleveland Police has even been forced to warn residents to ensure they and their children stay away for their own safety.
Stockton’s Labour Council has let the Golden Eagle building sit rotting for years, claiming they didn’t have the money to get it sorted. Matt secured the funding from the last Conservative government, and as such there is no reason for the eyesore to be still standing.
Stockton’s Conservative MP Matt Vickers said:
“Everyone loves a Spoons, and turning Thornaby’s most hated building into one would be sure to put a smile on people's faces.
“I was delighted to welcome Wetherspoon Senior Director to Thornaby to showcase one of the potential options for the Golden Eagle site.
This could be a golden opportunity for Wetherspoons and Thornaby. I’ve been working hard to push for options for what to do next for the site, bringing investors to the town and this meeting marks the next iteration of that mission. Spoons is without doubt one of Britain’s best loved pub chains with its no-nonsense, affordable food and drinks. I’d love to see them come to Thornaby."
Following the meeting Matt has launched a snap opinion poll of local residents to get their views on a new Spoons on the Golden Eagle site. Local people can take part in the poll by visiting mattvickers.co.uk/Spoons.
