Time capsule to mark Marske Square redevelopment and school anniversary
Monday 21 July 2025
As the transformation of Marske Square nears completion, we have partnered with contractor Tivoli Group, local councillors, and nearby Errington Primary School to leave a lasting mark on the community in the form of two time capsules.
The initiative celebrates both the near-completion of the Marske Square regeneration and the 70th anniversary of Errington Primary School, located just a short walk from the square. Year 5 pupils at the school have taken the lead on the project, carefully selecting a range of items to provide a snapshot of village life in 2025.
We also presented Head Teacher Sarah Rule with a commemorative plaque, marking the school’s anniversary, which will be installed adjacent to the capsules.
Items in the capsules include printed photographs of Marske attractions, a school badge, a Marske United football programme, a broken PS3 controller, a train ticket from Marske and Longbeck stations, and handwritten letters from pupils describing life as a child today. Other contributions include scouting memorabilia, USBs and SD cards containing photos and videos, and small school items such as pencils and toys. Local newspapers, The Northern Echo and The Gazette, were included from the day the capsule was buried.
Mrs Sarah Rule, Head Teacher at Errington Primary School, said: “The community has been incredibly supportive in assisting with memories of Marske-by-the-Sea to go into the time capsules.
“We are immensely proud to be a part of Marske’s history and have thought long and hard about what it is like living in such a wonderful place today.
“We hope that in years to come, people can open the capsules and see what a beautiful place Marske is to grow, play, live and learn in. Hopefully, whoever finds them will enjoy all the treasures that we have collected to show that Marske is a place loved by all.”
Kendra Evans, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Councillor, added: “Being able to include the time capsules during the refurbishment of Marske Square is a wonderful idea. Thank you Beyond Housing and Tivoli for being able to facilitate this and ensuring they were encapsulated safely.
“Having Errington Primary School involved was a fantastic way to help commemorate its 70th anniversary. By the time the capsules are opened, hopefully Errington Primary will have celebrated another 70 successful years, and the square itself will have seen thousands of happy faces enjoying the new space.”
Tanya Spedding, Asset Planning Manager at Beyond Housing, said: “The time capsules were buried as part of Beyond Housing’s wider regeneration of Marske Square. The project aims to enhance the square’s functionality and character while supporting community use and sustainability.
The scheme includes a reconfigured layout to make the space more usable and accessible for events and daily use. Improvements include an increased amount of seating areas, renewed pedestrian walkways, and additional tree and shrub planting. Original sandstone walling has been reclaimed and reused to create new walls topped with timber seating.
Other features include rain gardens edged with locally sourced stone, a raised grass area, upgraded drainage systems, and new street furniture such as removable cast iron bollards. These elements not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to environmental sustainability by improving water management and increasing green spaces.
We believe that the improvements will complement the character of Marske and enhance its already thriving community spirit.”
