Changing skyline revealed in urban park photos

Piling work has started at the site of Stockton's new Waterfront urban park

New photos show a town's skyline changing on the site of a new multi-million pound urban park.

Stockton Waterfront is under construction in the town centre and piling work has started, meaning new foundations will soon be laid.

The work is being done using a 65 tonne rig which can install piles to depths of 28m (92ft).

It is part of plans to create a performance space, play areas and pavilions linking the High Street to the River Tees.

The project is fronted by Stockton Council, which bought the site five years ago and secured more than £35m to redevelop it.

Piling work has started at the site

The urban park will replace the now demolished Castlegate Shopping Centre and Swallow Hotel, which were torn down to make way for the project.

The centre and hotel opened in 1973 but the latter has been empty since it closed in 2009.

The first phase of the redevelopment includes realigning and narrowing Riverside Road, building a 55m land bridge structure and extending the Millennium footbridge.

Phase two will see the paving elements for an oval lawn being installed, as well as construction of new gardens and play areas.

In the final phase, the construction of an amphitheatre will link the High Street to the riverside, providing an events space.