A MASTERPLAN is being drawn up to secure a historic Middlesbrough landmark as one of the region’s key transport hubs.
The study – led by Middlesbrough Council with funding from the Tees Valley Combined Authority, First Group – will provide a long-term vision for the rail station and the surrounding area.
Middlesbrough Council and Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald are working alongside the rail industry to realise the site’s strategic potential over the coming years.
The masterplan will support the Department for Transport’s view that stations should be more than a transport interchange, and be at the heart of an area, offering destination facilities and amenities.
It will build upon work which is currently being undertaken by Network Rail’s station refurbishment project that will see a £2.7m roof and stonework repair programme over a 13-month period.
Consultants BDP have been appointed to undertake the study, with stakeholder workshops already completed and a final report due to be issued later this year.
Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd said: “Middlesbrough Railway Station is at the heart of the town’s historic quarter and is central to our aspirations for the town centre and the wider area.
“It’s an iconic building that reflects the town’s rich heritage while having a pivotal role to play as a key gateway to its future growth and prosperity.
“I’m confident that the masterplan will further enhance the station’s role as one of the region’s most important transport hubs.”
Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald said: “This is an important milestone and further evidence of the commitment there is to breathe new life into the centre of our town.
“The station is an important part of our heritage but will also be a new 21st century portal into the evolving city-scape right in the heart of Tees Valley.
“What we want to achieve is an impressive rail terminal which matches our ambition and aspiration and which is fit to receive the first London King’s Cross direct service in 2020.”
BCP Architect Director and Head of Transport Peter Jenkins said: “We were delighted to receive the commission to undertake the masterplan study for Middlesbrough Station – it is a fascinating site in a key location for the future development of the area.
“Our engagement with the client and stakeholder group to date has displayed widespread enthusiasm for the regeneration of the station and the surrounding area; this is underpinned by a determination to make improvements to the station from inside to out.”
Graham Meiklejohn, Regional Development Manager for TransPennine Express, said: “This masterplan is an important step in developing Middlesbrough station into the interchange it should be.
“The financial contribution TransPennine Express made towards the study underlines our desire with others to realise the ambition for a transformational scheme.
“From May 2018 we will be introducing brand new trains with more carriages for customers travelling to and from the Tees Valley area as part of our plan to take the North further as well as introducing a new timetable with earlier trains, later trains, more trains on weekends and improved connections with other services.”