Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has revealed that almost 700 extra places are being made available for bus tours of the Teesworks site, which covers the former Redcar steelworks, following unprecedented demand.
The original 250 tickets for a tour the former steelworks site, ahead of major demolition and regeneration work, sold out within a matter of hours.
Due to the demand, a further 750 places were added, but these too were quickly snapped up.
The additional places will ensure as many local people as possible, including former steelworkers and their families, have a chance to explore the historic site before work begins later this year.
The additional places will be available to book from 12pm on Monday, August 24.
On guided bus tours, people to see the iconic structures - such as the Blast Furnace and Coke Ovens, which have been part of the Redcar landscape for generations - up close and safely, in line with current social distancing regulations.
Mayor Houchen also wants to hear from former steelworkers and the communities about how they want to celebrate the steelwork's history and heritage following the demolition work.
Mr Houchen said: “When we were talking about launching tours of the former steelworks site I knew they would be popular, but I’ve been absolutely blown away by how fast the places were snapped up.
“I want to make sure as many local people as possible, especially former steelworkers and their families, can get up close to the steelworks and take one final look, before the hugely important regeneration work gets underway.
“This site has been an important part of Teesside history for more than 100 years and it is right that this history is respected.
"As part of the redevelopment of the site we are looking closely at how this history can be best preserved for generations to come. That’s why I want to hear from people in Redcar on how we should keep the memories of it alive.
“We are all rightly proud of our steel heritage, but as we recover from the impact of the Coronavirus the Teesworks site is key to my plan for jobs.
"Jobs for local workers are already being created on the site, putting more money in workers pockets.”
The tours, which will involve former steelworkers and explain the future vision for the site, will take place throughout October. Book now at teesworks.co.uk/tours.
