Work Under Way On Next Phase of Middlesbrough Station Transformation

The redevelopment of Middlesbrough’s railway station has taken another huge step forward today (19 May) 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 £106million 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 21^st 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.

“This will play a vital part in our transformative Middlesbrough Development Corporation vision for the centre as a whole. We’re developing a welcoming gateway to safer, cleaner streets as we supercharge the great assets we’ve been investing in, putting place at the heart of our regeneration.”

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 said: “Our beautiful railway station is the focal point of Middlesbrough’s Historic Quarter, and it’s going to play a massive role in our future.

“For too long it’s been left to decay, so today marks the beginning of 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.”

Matt Rice, Route Director for Network Rail, said: “It’s always a thrill to see projects like this one at Middlesbrough start to come to life, and we’re delighted to be able to support our stakeholders in Middlesbrough with their aspirations to develop the station.”

Ash Widdop, Project Manager for Story Contracting, said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen to deliver the vital upgrade of Middlesbrough Station, on behalf of Network Rail, TVCA and Middlesbrough Council.

Ash added: “In addition to the benefits the upgrades will bring, we are also committed to supporting the local community which the station serves.

“Since we began phase one of the scheme back in 2020, with our partners we have put over £3million worth of social value back into Middlesbrough, through investing in the town’s next generation of skilled workers, to supporting community groups and charities.”