This photograph shows the sad condition of a building on Smith Street in 2006. Courtesy of Peter Rigg. 
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
This photograph shows the sad condition of a building on Smith Street in 2006. Courtesy of Peter Rigg.
Yes Paul Dee – a very interesting building. I hope the spiral staircase’s magnificent wooden bannister still survives. I have not seen much happening here recently. Has the owner moved on, leaving the premises empty? If I had the huge amount of money necessary to restore this wonderful building, I would certainly do so. It’s such a shame to see it in such a state.
The large number of signatories from overseas could be my own personal contacts online from around the world who just wish to see something happen to save this neglected house.
If you are reading this and have not already done so, I ask you to sign the petition to voice your opinion for saving the building from ruin.
An interesting building. I hope people take the trouble to sign the petition (very easy). As of today there are 68 signatories. A surprising number from overseas – do expats care more?
Keep up the good work Sarah. My Great Great Grandparents, Thomas and Elizabeth Hind (nee Ayre), also lived here as a retired couple with your grandmother’s family and would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary here in 1911. I think this was where they had their printing business.
This building is Grade II Listed. Smith Street and surrounding streets housed many of the Ayre and Hind families and my maternal grandmother lived here in the early years of the last century. My mother was born here. I am trying to get the owner/Stockton Council to prevent further disrepair. I have a petition online. Please sign it.
(Picture Stockton staff – please would you put my email address in my post and also my website http://www.savesmithstreet.com?)
What a shame that such an interesting building should seem to have fallen on hard times. It looks like it was built in Georgian or Regency times. It would be a pity if a use could not be found for it and a sympathetic restoration made. So much has been lost of the town’s past built environment, and so little of great character added. Let’s hang on to what’s left!