Serving the Teesside Business Community | 59
An aerial artist ’ s impression of the proposed railway station changes shows a combination of old and new .
Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald , pictured with mayor Dave Budd , says the railway station proposals are “ breathtakingly impressive ”.
An artist ’ s impression of how the new entrance to Middlesbrough Railway Station could look .
Middlesbrough Council and Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald are working alongside the rail industry in the form of a joint programme board to realise both the site ’ s ambition and strategic potential over the coming years .
It will build upon work which is shortly to be complete in the form of Network Rail ’ s station renewals project that will see the completion of a 13-month , £ 3m project to repair the roof and stonework of the main station building .
Additionally , direct trains to London from Virgin Trains East Coast are due to begin from Middlesbrough in 2020 .
Peter Jenkins , architect director and head of transport sector at BDP , said : “ Our designs are focused on celebrating the qualities of the existing station alongside the creation of new facilities to accommodate additional intercity services .
“ The fine qualities of the listed buildings and unique activities such as Platform Arts cannot be fully appreciated today and we want to make sure all visitors can understand more of the historic station .
“ The forthcoming introduction of direct services to London , and the need for additional platform capacity , are an opportunity to transform the northern aspect of the station , which the design intends to benefit from .
“ It goes without saying that the Virgin Trains East Coast services will have a transformative effect on the town in terms of the train connections provided .
“ Our design aims to unlock further value from this change , with the new platform and canopy structures combined with a new entrance and interchange facility on Bridge Street .
“ This will transform the appearance and identity of the station from Middlehaven , catalysing developments to the north of the station .
“ Many station masterplans can lack the impetus to become reality ; this is not the case in Middlesbrough , where infrastructure expansion ( VTEC services to London ) and local support can ensure a successful redevelopment of the station complex , to the benefit of both rail passengers and local residents alike .”
The project board ’ s next steps will be to work on bringing together the funds from a number of local and national bodies in order to make the masterplan a reality .
Mr McDonald said : “ The Consultants BDP have done some stunning visionary work that not only sees the station restored to its 19th century splendour including the southern Zetland Road elevation and the improved usage of the concourse and booking hall - much as the architect originally intended when the station as first designed - but transformationally presents a 21st century northern façade out onto Bridge Street that fits entirely with our European city aspirations and opens out into the emerging cityscape of Middlehaven .
“ It ’ s an absolutely breathtakingly impressive proposal .
“ What the entire proposal presents is a 21st century transport hub that is fit for purpose . This will be a game changer for Middlesbrough and the wider Tees Valley economy .
“ So I heartily congratulate Middlesbrough Council , the mayor , his fellow councillors and the superb officers who have driven this initiative forward and for the commitment that the council has made to secure the achievements to date .”