Plans are underway to demolish a condemned bungalow at Preston Park Museum and replace it with a striking metal sculpture, enhancing the museum’s entrance.
Stockton Council has applied for permission to tear down the South Lodge. This is part of a larger project to enhance the museum’s entrance. The new structure will be made of steel and will resemble the original lodge.
The proposal includes landscaping, trees, and walkways around the new artwork. The council believes this will create a welcoming space for visitors and help prevent vandalism. It will also support educational events for schools and groups.
Additionally, the new design will honor the Stockton and Darlington Railway’s 200th anniversary. Metal rails and paving will mark the original track of the first steam train passenger railway.
The lodge, built between 1919 and 1939, has been unused since 2019. It has suffered vandalism and is currently boarded up. The council states that the lodge detracts from the museum’s entrance.
The new sculptures aim to improve the entrance while educating visitors about the railway’s history. The design is modern and abstract, intended to spark interest in the site’s past.
An architecture firm has noted that the park’s entrance needs improvement for safety and aesthetics. The current lodge is considered unremarkable and does not contribute to the site’s significance.
The new sculptures will mimic the original lodge’s features, providing an interactive experience for visitors. They will be inspired by the original plans found in the museum’s archives.
Councillor Steve Nelson mentioned that this project is part of a major investment in Preston Park. The demolition will reveal the railway’s history and improve views of the original track.
The site is protected, so planning will be carefully considered. This project aims to enhance the museum and its surroundings for everyone to enjoy.
