£22.5m Middlesbrough railway station transformation picks up steam

The redevelopment of Middlesbrough’s railway station has taken another step forward today as preparation work began on the second phase of the scheme.

Scaffolding is now being erected to revitalise the disused and dilapidated undercroft at the station which will begin in days, ahead of the installation of a new steel frame to create a modern new entrance and revamped ticket hall building.

Following planning approval, this second phase of the scheme will see the current ticket hall stairs removed, new staircase built off the central thoroughfare, open public space at the east end of the former car park plus a new pedestrian walkway created between Zetland Road at the south of the station and the existing subway.

The first phase of works, supported by £22.5m from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority, was completed in December last year. It saw one of the station’s platforms extended by 75 metres to accommodate the new LNER Azuma direct service to London, the town’s first service to the capital in more than 30 years.

The news came as Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston announced they were establishing a Middlesbrough Development Corporation to reshape the town centre and its key assets, including the station. This will make the streets safer and cleaner and capitalise on the recent £106m of investment in the centre.

Mayor Houchen said: “For too long Middlesbrough station has been constrained and in desperate need of an overhaul to make it a 21st century station that projects a modern, forward-looking image that local people can be proud of.

“The time for talk is over, now it’s time for action and, after reconnecting Middlesbrough with the capital last December, we’re breathing new life into the very fabric of the station. Enhanced access, redeveloped buildings and new office and retail space will make it even better for local people and visitors alike.

The station also forms part of the TransPennine Express route from Manchester Airport into the region which, on Monday, was extended to serve Saltburn following a two-year campaign by Mayor Houchen.

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston added: “For too long it’s been left to decay, so today marks the beginning of a new era that will see it fulfil its true potential as the gateway to our town, whilst protecting its heritage. We’re making huge strides forward, and this is yet more vital investment that shows the scale and scope of our ambition.”