MIDDLESBROUGH NEWS
On track - mayors Andy Preston ( left ) and Ben Houchen .
Tees Business team rolls out red carpet for Roary
WORK BEGINS ON NEXT PHASE OF STATION TRANSFORMATION
The redevelopment of Middlesbrough ’ s railway station has taken another major step forward , with preparation work underway on the second phase of the scheme .
Scaffolding has been erected to revitalise the disused and dilapidated undercroft at the station ahead of the installation of a new steel frame to create a modern new entrance and revamped ticket hall building .
After planning approval , this second phase of the scheme will see the current ticket hall stairs removed , a new staircase built off the central thoroughfare , an 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 , supported by £ 22.5m from Tees Valley Combined Authority , was completed last December .
It saw one of the station ’ s platforms extended by 75 metres to accommodate the new LNER Azuma direct train 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 Mayoral Development Corporation to reshape the town centre and its key assets , including the station .
They say the corporation will make the streets safer and cleaner and capitalise on the recent £ 106m of investment in the centre .
The station also forms part of the TransPennine Express route from Manchester Airport into the region . The service was recently extended to serve Saltburn following a two-year campaign by mayor Houchen .
Boro mascot Roary the Lion was warmly welcomed on a visit to Tees Business publishers Resolution Media and Publishing ’ s HQ .
The visit was part of Roary ’ s Big Week , which aimed to raise at least £ 5,000 for the MFC Foundation .
The Resolution team of Julie Burniston , Vicky Thomas , Nieve Morrison , Dave Robson and Chris Garbutt rolled out the red carpet for Roary .
Sadly , Resolution directors Dave Allan and Martin Walker – both former Boro employees – weren ’ t around to welcome their VIP guest .
The MFC Foundation harnesses the power of the football club to improve the life chances of young people and adults across Teesside .
Visit mfcfoundation . co . uk .
Kira hopes her story will inspire others
TRADER ’ S BID TO BOOST NEONATAL CHARITY
The decision to enrol at Middlesbrough College has helped one woman get her life back on track after finding herself homeless .
Kira Coleman , 25 , is now speaking out about her journey from shelter to success to inspire others .
With few qualifications , Kira enrolled on a one-year Access to Higher Education Diploma in Music course , before progressing onto the Bachelor of Science Degree in Sound and Music Technology , accredited by the Open University . She is now in her final year .
The diplomas offer an alternative route for people who want to go on to university but don ’ t have traditional qualifications . Visit mbro . ac . uk / university-level / accessto-he .
A trader whose six babies were all born prematurely wants to give other families the support she never had .
Louise Marshall and partner Dan Keenan opened Simply Babywear in Middlesbrough ’ s Dundas Indoor Market seven months ago . The couple are now urging parents to bring outgrown clothes that were worn by their premature babies to be sold to raise money for the Teesside-based charity Leo ’ s Neonatal .
Lottie King , from Yarm , set up the charity when Leo – one of her twin sons – did not survive after being born at 24 weeks .
Simply Babywear is also selling Leo ’ s Neonatal cards and gifts .
HAIR SALON CELEBRATES DIAMOND MILESTONE
Iconic hair salon Guido ’ s has been a much-loved fixture in Middlesbrough for well over half a century – and it ’ s still going strong .
Truly a family business in the heart of the town , its namesake and family head Guido Battista remains as passionate about his work as when he opened his first salon on Russell Street way back in 1961 .
Guido says : “ I feel happy and grateful to be celebrating over 60 years in business and to be still doing the job I love .”
Guido ’ s son , Mauro , and daughter , Nicola , are also part of the business , which has ladies ’ and gents ’ salons on Princes Road .
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