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Friday 13 Mar 2015

Locals thanked for patience at Middlesbrough station

Region & Route:

People in Middlesbrough are being thanked for their patience as the old station car park remains closed. Zetland Road car park is cordoned off because the arches which support it are life-expired.

Mark Tarry, area director for Network Rail said: “Middlesbrough station is a striking structure and an important gateway for the town. We need to carry out work to the old car park and are taking the opportunity to talk to the station operator, First Trans-Pennine Express, Middlesbrough Council and other local stakeholders to explore ideas to improve the station front at the same time as that work is completed.

“We are looking at a number of options to develop the front of the station and upgrade the car park area in order to provide a safe and pleasant environment for passengers. We are taking advice from a conservation officer to help maintain the special interest and architectural heritage of the station building. I thank the people of Middlesbrough for their patience while we develop these plans which we will publicise for comment before deciding on a final solution.”
While ideas are being developed for Zetland Road, an upgrade of the new station car park on Wood Street will be completed this summer. These include:

• New tarmacked surface
• Painting of white lines
• Dedicated disabled parking
• New lighting
• Additional spaces

Wood Street car park has direct, ramped access to Platform 1 of Middlesbrough station. Improved signage will be installed on Platform 1 and in the car park in the coming weeks.
Notes to editors

A number of options are being considered for the old Zetland Road car park*, these include:

• Simply complete basic remedial work which will secure the arches future integrity and possibly allow us to re-open the old car park
• Develop the undercroft and retaining the front wall and creating an open square or plaza at ground level
• Develop the undercroft and retain the front wall and create glazed retail units at street level

*Please note – all options for the station are subject to funding and listed building consent being secured.

The Network Rail helpline is available for any public enquiries on 08457 11 41 41. Images and further information about the plans as they are developed can be found at: http://www.networkrail.co.uk/Middlesbrough-station/ (site goes live 13 March)