Media centre

Wednesday 21 Dec 2016

Network Rail to begin Middlesbrough station repairs in the spring

Region & Route:

| Eastern

Network Rail has confirmed that the long-awaited £2.7million refurbishment of Middlesbrough station will begin in the spring next year.

A contractor has now been appointed and is working on a programme that will see the station roof and stonework repaired in a 13-month project.

Passengers travelling from Middlesbrough this festive period are also being reminded that Wood Street car park is now fully open.

Wood Street has 97 spaces, is fully lit and provides direct access to the platforms. It can be reached by travelling down Exchange Square and following the signposts.

Lisa McGuinness, commercial scheme sponsor for Network Rail, said: “The repairs to the roof at Middlesbrough station will begin in the new year.

“Lots of work has happened behind the scenes to get the specialist contractor in place to work on this Grade II listed building, and we will provide further updates in the new year.

“We will continue to work with TransPennine Express and Middlesbrough Council to minimise the disruption caused by our improvement work.”

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough Council is in the process of commissioning a masterplan study for Middlesbrough station which will focus on transport connectivity and the regeneration of the area surrounding Middlesbrough station.

Funding for the masterplan study, which will go out to tender in early January 2017, has been secured from the Tees Valley Combined Authority, with Network Rail, train operators TransPennine, Northern and Virgin Trains East Coast working alongside Middlesbrough Council and Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald.

Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd said: “Middlesbrough Railway Station is at the heart of the town’s historic quarter and is central to our aspirations for the town centre and the wider area.

“It’s an iconic building that reflects the town’s rich heritage while having a pivotal role to play as a key gateway to its future growth and prosperity.

“I’m delighted that these important upgrades and refurbishments are due to start in the new year, and am confident they will further enhance the station’s role as one of the region’s most important transport hubs.”

Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald said: “This is an important milestone and further evidence of the commitment there is to breathe new life into the centre of our town.

“The station is an important part of our heritage but will also be a new 21^st century portal into the evolving city-scape right in the heart of Tees Valley.

"The repaired and revitalised railway station has to be a fitting gateway to our town for commuters, businesses, students and leisure visitors alike.

“What we want to achieve is an impressive rail terminal which matches our ambition and aspiration and which is fit to receive the first London King’s Cross direct service in 2020.

“This announcement today sets us out on that path and is most welcome."

Graham Meiklejohn, Regional Development Manager for TransPennine Express, said:  “These roof works by Network Rail will be welcomed by our many passengers who use Middlesbrough station every day. 

 

With our new trains and also additional services coming for Middlesbrough these works will complement the improvements our passengers will see on the tracks.”