The wide-reaching revamp of the town’s Historic Quarter is breathing new life into the area around the rail station and the wider town centre.

The work is the final strand of the four-year £2.2million grant-funded High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) partnership between Middlesbrough Council and Historic England to re-energise and bring new uses into the Historic Quarter.

The cash boost has enabled a number of key improvement works to be carried out in Exchange Square and Zetland Road.

And a delegation from Historic England has visited the town to see the improvements for themselves.

Exchange Square has been revitalised with new paving, street lighting, benches and flower planters, while the Grade II-listed statue of Middlesbrough founding father Henry Bolckow and iconic keystone heads that formed part of the demolished Royal Exchange building have also been restored.

Historic buildings – home to the likes of Bloom and the Zetland Brasserie – have received structural repairs and external improvements, and the revamped area is attracting ongoing interest from developers.

A series of vibrant community engagement activities – led by Navigator North – has brought in more than 4,500 people to find out more about the project through a programme of exhibitions, tours, events and workshops.

Work on a major overhaul of Middlesbrough’s historic rail station is also well under way, with renovation works to the long-neglected Undercroft due for completion by September, and the creation of a third platform set for the end of 2026.

An Arts Council Cultural Development Fund grant will see Platform Arts create a print studio within the refurbished Undercroft, alongside new studio space for The Auxiliary.

Maria Carballeira from Historic England said: “We are very pleased to see how the High Street Heritage Action Zone programme has revitalised the Historic Quarter in Middlesbrough.

“Alongside the improvements to key historic buildings, Exchange Square and Zetland Road are now more accessible, inviting and pedestrian friendly.

“More importantly, residents, volunteers and community groups have played a key role in shaping the changes to these public spaces, showcasing their pride in Middlesbrough and its heritage.”

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “This important and historic gateway to Middlesbrough has been neglected for too long, so it’s fantastic to see it given this new lease of life.

“The first view people have of a town is vitally important, and the Historic Quarter speaks volumes both about our rich and proud heritage, and about the boundless ambition we have for the future.

“We are unlocking enormous potential, and the best is yet to come.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the backing of partners like Historic England, and I’m enormously grateful for their ongoing support.”

 • More information on the High Street Heritage Action Zone project can be found at www.historicquarter.co.uk