03/6/15 Picture by Doug Moody Photography
THE latest addition to one of the region’s flagship regeneration sites is nearing completion – and local children have now been challenged to find a name for it.
Work on the new urban park at the heart of Middlehaven got under way last June, with the impressive public space due to open officially in the autumn.
It’s an important symbol of the town’s ambition for the future, so who better to give it a name than some of the young people who will enjoy it for years to come?
Earlier this month, pupils from Breckon Hill Primary – regular visitors to the myplace youth centre – were treated to an entertaining talk by Transporter Education, Learning and Events Officer Tosh Warwick on the area’s rich history and heritage.
He helped them understand the role played by Middlehaven in Middlesbrough’s industrial heyday and how it is helping to shape the town’s future.
The youngsters were then treated to a guided tour of the new park before being set the challenge of coming up with a new name for it.
Their suggestions will be judged by a panel comprising representatives from the funders – Able UK, the Homes and Communities Agency and Middlesbrough Council with the winner being announced when the park is officially opened.
The £1.2 million park is a key element of the regeneration of the 100 hectare Middlehaven site which has already attracted more than £160m of investment and is being delivered by Middlesbrough Council and the Homes and Communities Agency.
The area is being transformed into a major regional destination featuring new office space, leisure facilities, bars and restaurants and new homes.
The park – to the east of Durham Street and stretching from Lower East Street along to Vulcan Street – will include a new urban square and a series of formal and informal spaces for all ages and interests. It opens up views to the improved Tees Transporter Bridge – currently nearing completion of a £2.6 million improvement and renovation project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund – and will be a catalyst for further development.
It’s also a focal point for the 14 Urban Pioneers serviced plots where individuals, small developers and businesses will create spaces that really meet their needs on a deferred land payment basis.
Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “Work on the new park is now at an advanced stage, and it’s already a striking addition to one of the most significant regeneration sites in the region.
“It needs a name that reflects both the history of the area and the hugely important role it has to play in the future.
“Who better to come up with that name than some of the town’s young people who represent that future.
“I’m looking forward to seeing their ideas, and I’m sure we will have a worthy winner that will go on to become part of the fabric of the town.”
- A time capsule will be buried when the park is launched giving local people a chance to leave a legacy for future generations to discover. Suggestions for information and items to be included in the capsule can be emailed to transporterbridge@middlesbrough.gov.uk