Car park for users of Middlesbrough Railway Station set to be upgraded while main facility is closed

A car park for users of Middlesbrough Railway Station is set to be upgraded while the main parking facility is closed.

The new station car park on Wood Street will be improved to allow for additional spaces. It will also be resurfaced, have new lighting installed and will have dedicated disabled parking.

The news comes as rail chiefs are still in discussions about the plans for the old station car park on Zetland Road.

This facility has been closed since February last year and was shut to pedestrians in the autumn as the “the arches which support it are life-expired.”

Network Rail has since thanked the station users for their patience.

Mark Tarry, area director for the company 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.”

Middlesbrough railway station

The ongoing works have caused severe disruption for rail users who have been forced to find alternative parking and use other entrances.

Details of the problems were revealed in a Middlesbrough Council report.

As part of structural and improvement works the former Cornerhouse nightclub - which is owned by Network Rail - is to be turned into offices.

Plans are also being drawn up for a new pedestrian bridge to run from Platform 2 directly to the Boho 5 site at Middlehaven between Bridge Street East and Winward Way. The council is working on proposals for an application to the Local Growth Fund to pay for it.

Speaking previously, Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald, said: “Sadly the structural problems are even more serious than first feared, and there is not going to be a quick fix. The good news is that the long term benefits of a major redevelopment will be positive for all who use the station.”