Work on Redcar's vertical pier is due to begin

An artist's impression of the vertical pier

Work is about to begin on Redcar's unnamed vertical pier.

The 80ft (24m) high structure will be the centrepiece of a £30m regeneration of Redcar seafront.

Preparation work will start next week at the seafront site near the Picture House, and construction work will start in the middle of October.

Councillor Sheelagh Clarke said: "The tower will allow rooftop panoramic views of the dramatic coastline when it is finished next year."

She added: "I am delighted that work is due to start soon so we can provide a unique attraction for Redcar which will bring further visitors and investment into the area."

The tower will also home studio and gallery space providing premises for artists and creative industries to showcase their work, alongside a cafe open to the public.

The structure is part of a wider regeneration programme which includes new sea defences being built by the Environment Agency and improvements to the Redcar promenade.

There is a Contest to name the 'vertical pier', currently being run by the council.