STACK in Middlesbrough is celebrating welcoming a quarter of a million visitors in its first year of trading.

The entertainment, food and drink venue marks its first birthday on December 10 and has been congratulated by Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke.

STACK has created more than 50 jobs in the town and has been a major draw for Middlesbrough residents and those travelling into the town from further afield.

Based in Exchange Square under the A66, the business is looking forward to cementing its place in the town with ambitious plans for 2026.

Footfall counters at the shipping container venue show it has broken through the 300,000 barrier for visitors – making it a huge first 12 months.

Mayor Cooke has praised STACK for its work with local organisations and its commitment to safety of customers.

“STACK has been a real success story for our town centre,” he said.

“The numbers are incredible and prove that there is a strong market in Middlesbrough for big leisure brands.

“The area around Exchange Square on Albert Road is starting to thrive and STACK has played a huge part in that.

“I also know how they’re getting stuck in and committing time to volunteering in the town and supporting our events.”

STACK has successfully hosted children’s events with sell-outs for family activities inspired by movie and TV hits and will this month hold three Christmas kids parties.

Staff gave up their time for a recent community action day that saw the area around the railway station spruced up. The team also supported Middlesbrough Pride and have worked with neighbouring organisations including Wander Films and Middlesbrough College.

Several members of the staff have seen their careers progress with examples of local workers being promoted to management roles.

Neill Winch, CEO of STACK, said:“Reaching a quarter of a million visitors in our first year is a fantastic milestone, but the real story is what this means for Middlesbrough. STACK was created to bring people back into town and to spark new life in places that deserve to thrive. Exchange Square is a perfect example of how the right investment, energy and programming can turn an underused area into a vibrant destination.

We’re incredibly proud to play a role in the wider regeneration of the town centre and to work alongside the Mayor, local organisations and the community to keep that momentum going. Middlesbrough has huge potential, and this is just the beginning of what STACK can deliver as we continue to grow our footprint across the UK.