Revitalising Middlesbrough: Levelling Up Funding Breathing New Life into Town Centre

Middlesbrough Council is proactively working towards a significant transformation of its town centre, with a major focus on enhancing local education, providing temporary accommodation for vulnerable individuals, and addressing crime and anti-social behaviour. The council's initiatives are being supported by a £20m funding package from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities.

Reimagining Spaces

Part of the funding is earmarked for the transformation of the town's House of Fraser store, which has been purchased by the council for £1m. The council plans to convert the former retail space into a vibrant arts and music venue, complete with performance spaces and dedicated areas for creative businesses. This project is part of a larger investment programme aimed at revitalising Middlesbrough, and is expected to give the town centre a much-needed 'shot in the arm', complementing other new attractions coming to the town. More details about this ambitious project can be found here.

Supporting Local Charities

In addition to infrastructure projects, the council is also focusing on community initiatives. The Teesside Foundation, a charity committed to improving the quality of life for individuals in need, has been announced as the charity partner for Middlesbrough's new Half Marathon. The organisation regularly hosts fundraising events and this partnership aligns with its mission to make a positive impact on local communities. Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke has expressed his support for the event, underlining the importance of raising funds for local charities. Those interested in participating in the marathon can secure a place or create a Go Fund Me page to raise money for The Teesside Foundation. More information about the event can be found here.

Investing in Health and Wellbeing

The council is also investing in the health and wellbeing of the local community. Middlesbrough’s leisure centres have recently reopened following a £1.1m investment in upgrades. The funding has been utilized to update fitness areas at several leisure centres across the town and at Guisborough Swim and Fitness Centre. These facilities are operated by Everyone Active, on behalf of Middlesbrough Council and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, as part of a larger strategy to refurbish the area’s physical activity facilities. Middlesbrough Mayor, Chris Cooke, expressed delight at the upgrades, stating that it is a step closer to making Middlesbrough healthier, safer, and more ambitious. More details about the leisure centres and their new facilities can be found here.

Through its strategic use of the Levelling Up funding, Middlesbrough Council is not only revamping its town centre but also investing in its community. By creating new spaces, supporting local charities, and investing in health and wellbeing, the council is demonstrating its commitment to making Middlesbrough a thriving and inclusive town with a bright future.