Members of the public have been invited to give their views on exciting plans for Redcar Central Station.
Conservation works to transform it from an empty, dilapidated building into a vibrant, more welcoming gateway to the town are planned, enabling it to function as both a leisure and retail hub as well as a key transport link.
Rail facilities including ticket machines, travel information and covered waiting areas would also be provided if plans are approved.
Nearly £6million from the Redcar Growth Zone and Welcome to Redcar and Cleveland Fund – a £20million investment from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority – has been allocated to the project to deliver the refurbishment of the building, making it fully accessible to all.
Despite being a Grade II listed, Victorian building, there will be a focus on sustainability, and use of renewable energy; solar panels will be positioned out of sight, in line with aims to preserve the traditional style of the building.
The project will be welcomed by Redcar Central’s existing users and an increase in commuters and visitors is expected as post-Covid travel and train timetables continue to normalise, along with an aspiration to bring direct London services to Redcar in the future once established from Middlesbrough.
The hourly Transpennine service to and from Manchester Airport already serves Redcar Central, providing direct connections to towns and cities across the north of England.
The public can find out more by:
- Giving their views on proposals by visiting: https://redcarcleveland.uk.engagementhq.com/redcar-central-station
- Visiting a special drop-in session on Tuesday 26 July in the entrance foyer at Redcar Leisure Centre from 10am to 6pm. People will be able to view the proposals and ask any questions about the project.
The consultation closes on Friday 12 August.
If approved, construction works would begin in spring 2023 for an estimated opening in early 2025.
Councillor Chris Gallacher, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said:
“Redcar Central Station is the first impression people get of Redcar when visiting by train, so it’s fantastic that plans are in place to transform the building.
“The refurbishment will benefit the town and wider borough in a number of ways, not only providing a new leisure and retail facility to be proud of within the station itself, but also by means of creating jobs for local people throughout the construction phase, in the running of the station and as part of the businesses which will base themselves there.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said:
“These plans would breathe new life into the station, benefitting businesses and local people and providing a lively and welcoming gateway for both tourists and potential investors. What’s more, it would all be done in a way that feeds into our growing reputation as a net zero powerhouse.
“We’re helping transform stations right across the region and Redcar is no different, so people across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool can get the high-quality, reliable and smooth transport connections that they deserve.”